Contracts Administrator

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role 

Capella Space is seeking a Contracts Administrator to oversee the development and administration of U.S. Government and Commercial contracts to ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Government and regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Legal Counsel in Capella Space’s Legal and Regulatory Compliance Department, this pivotal role serves as the liaison between internal stakeholders and the Company's customers and suppliers, performing due diligence on prospective customers, resellers, and suppliers, negotiating contract terms, and ensuring adherence to contract terms and facilitating resolution of any contractual issues. Additionally, the Contracts Administrator will also manage a portfolio of supplier contracts within the supply chain, fostering effective communication and execution of contracts with supply chain leadership.  The Contracts Administrator will be supported by the Company’s Legal and Regulatory Compliance Department’s Legal Counsel and Regulatory Compliance Lead, receiving advice and guidance on legal and regulatory compliance matters.   

We are seeking a candidate with proven proficiency in administering commercial and federal government contracts, adept at analyzing bids, proposals, and certifications of various complexities. Demonstrating a thorough grasp of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), the ideal candidate will lead contract negotiations and engage effectively with customers. Experience in negotiating and finalizing non-disclosure agreements (NDA), conducting export and anti-corruption due diligence, and managing Company contracts is essential. Strong communication skills are paramount for fostering collaboration across diverse functional areas, ensuring alignment in achieving contractual goals. 

 
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support bids/proposals by providing contract analysis and review of RFI/RFQ/RFPs and other competitive U.S. Government contract offers. 
• Review and negotiate contractual documents to ensure compliance with FAR and DFAR regulations, laws, regulations, and Company policies with ongoing legal and regulatory compliance advice and guidance provided from Capella Space’s Legal and Regulatory Compliance Department. 
• Administer the Company’s profiles for designated entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and prepare representations and certifications as required by the FAR/DFARS. 
• Support the development, negotiation, closing and administration of commercial NDAs, customer and vendor contract proposals, contracts, and associated documentation.  
• Provide commercial NDA, customer, and vendor contract support by conducting USG denied parties screening, supplier registration, negotiating and finalizing NDAs, reseller due diligence and agreements, supplier agreements, PO’s incorporating standard T&C’s, etc. 
• Analyze solicitations, support the negotiation and implementation of awarded contracts by preparing responses for proposals, bids, and contract modifications, including risk assessment and mitigation. 
• Lead the development of contract management guidelines for the Company collaborating with internal stakeholders.  The guidelines should include general steps for the development, review, approval, implementation and administration of the Company’s U.S. Government and commercial contracts. 
• Ensure contract review, approval, and execution adhere to Company policies and procedures. 
• Prepare and administer correspondence and contractual documentation for timely submission. 
• Review Contractor Performance Assessment Reports and address and provide required responses. 
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies. 
• Collaborate with internal teams, such as legal and regulatory compliance, supply chain, sales, and finance, and ensure contracts align with Company policies and procedures. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Business Administration or related field. 
• 6 years of contract administration experience. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. Government contracting. 
• Must have a strong background & knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFARS)  
• Experience with Teaming Agreements, NDAs, and other legal instruments is a must. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. Government service-related contract types including Other Transaction Agreements, cost reimbursable, T&M, and fixed price acquisition and assistance management.  
• Thorough knowledge of all appropriate ethical standards regarding contracting actions. 
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of commercial contracting terms and conditions relating to NDAs, customer and supplier contracts and associated documentation. 
• Strong understanding of Data Rights - especially as they pertain to Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR).  
• Must have experience in solicitation analysis, risk assessment, contract negotiation, and issue resolution. 
• Must have the ability to make sound business judgments, handle multiple contractual activities with a short turnaround time, and work independently, as well as part of a team. 
• Highly motivated and detail oriented with the ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, and create trusting relationships with both internal and external clients in quick turnaround environment.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Desired 

• DoD Top Secret (TS) clearance or eligibility to obtain a security clearance. 
• Professional Contracts certification (CPCM™, CFCM™, CCCM™). 
• Current/previous experience working with the full range of Contract types (e.g., IDIQs, Cost-Type, T&M, Fixed Price), to include performance-based contracting, GWAC and GSA Schedule Contracting. 
• International contracting experience. 

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $78,211 - $103,629.  The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks 

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: 

• We offer up to 100% paid medical coverage, with robust vision and dental plans, comprehensive flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health plans 
• Equity 
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement planning 
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy 
• Commuter & Parking Benefits 
• Mental Health Resources 
• Monthly phone stipend 
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens.  
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options 
• Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!