Principal Contract Administrator

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Contract Administrator based out of San Diego, CA. The Principal Contract Administrator will support the Advanced Network Solutions (ANS) portfolio located within the Advanced Communications and Networks (ACN) Operating Unit. What You’ll Get to Do: The position will report directly to the Manager of Contracts and will serve as the primary contact with our customer, administering a portfolio of mostly cost-type development contracts supporting internal and external customers. This position is responsible for all formal contract communications, and sustaining the contractual baseline to ensure favorable programmatic and financial performance. In addition to established development efforts, the position will also support various new business proposals and ROMs, both competitive and sole-source. In this role, the selected candidate’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Responsibilities: Lead and coordinate the company response to customer Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to understand Statements of Work (SOW)/contract requirements and advise the program team on risk identification and mitigation strategies Ensure company proposals are fully responsive to prospective customer requirements, prepare proposal submittal documents, and coordinate appropriate levels of internal review and approval. Coordinate and develop responses to fact-finding, evaluation notices, and requests for information (RFIs), to bolster priorities, strengthen support for the proposal, and also identify customer key items or concerns Develop and execute negotiation strategy / plan to establish a framework to arrive at the most beneficial agreement possible between Northrop Grumman and the customer in the quickest timeframe possible Maintain excellent working relationships with customers to effectively communicate, administer, modify, negotiate and terminate standard and nonstandard contractual agreements. Oversee contract performance including schedules and deliverables and complete actions to ensure satisfactory program performance Advise program teams of contractual rights and obligations, including interpretation of contract terms and conditions Maintain and update contract documents and official program records, including contractual documents and correspondence Provide direct contract support, review contractual documents to ensure protection of company's contractual/risk posture, satisfaction of contractual requirements and adherence to company policies. Research contract issues and prepare analysis with citations Work cooperatively with the technical staff to address customer requests Basic Qualifications: Bachelors’ Degree plus 5 years of experience in Contracts Management/Administration or related field (i.e. contracts-related legal, pricing, business management, etc.); or a Master’s degree plus 3 years of experience in Contracts Management/Administration or related field (i.e. contracts-related legal, pricing, business management, etc.) Experience using FAR/DFARS U.S. Citizenship required. The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with the SAP Sales & Distribution Module Experience with Contract Negotiation Experience working with NDA's Current DoD Secret clearance What We Can Offer You – Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more! MSBSMG MPR Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Calexico , Principal Contract Administrator, Engineering , San Diego, California