ABOUT DEFCON AI RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION. DEFCON AI is an insights company that leverages artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering for resilient optimization of complex systems. In today’s dynamically changing world, DEFCON AI’s technology aligns outcomes with operational goals, better decision making, and empowers customers to anticipate assess, and mitigate the impacts of disruptions.

About The Role

S. Marine Corps program, we are seeking a Program Contracts Manager to build and own the contract operations backbone that enables successful program execution. The Program Contracts Manager will own contract operations, subcontract administration, milestone acceptance coordinator, invoice readiness and execution governance for a major US defense program.

You will build the systems, processes, templates, and operating rhythms that allow the program team to execute effectively while ensuring subcontractors, deliverables, invoices, modifications, and contractual obligations remain aligned. You will serve as the day-to-day owner of routine contract and subcontract execution.

What You'Ll Do

Own Contract & Subcontract Operations Manage the full lifecycle of contracts and subcontracts, teaming agreements, and consulting arrangements Draft, review, negotiate, and administer subcontract agreements and modifications Translate prime agreement

Requirements

into executable subcontract structures Maintain subcontract records, deliverables, milestones, and commercial terms Coordinate with program leadership and finance on business positions and negotiations Drive Milestone & Invoice Readiness Develop and manage milestone tracking and contract execution artifacts Coordinate acceptance-package development across technical, program, and finance stakeholders Build invoice-support packages and readiness documentation Identify and flag contractual and compliance risks including terms ambiguity, flow-down gaps, undocumented scope changes, and invoice or acceptance exposure before they become program or legal issues Maintain audit-ready records and submission documentation Build Scalable Contract Operations Design templates, trackers, governance processes, and escalation paths Build process that fits where the program is today while laying the foundation for where it needs to go Improve discipline around contract execution without slowing delivery Establish standards for documentation, reporting, and contract governance Operate independently and effectively without established playbooks, defined predecessors, or a contracts team to hand work off to Support Program Leadership Conduct change-impact assessments and modification analysis Develop decision-ready recommendations for leadership review Support customer correspondence, clarification requests, and issue resolution Escalate complex issues with facts, options, and recommended courses of action

into subcontract flow-downs Experience supporting milestone-based deliverables and contract execution Experience building lightweight repeatable processes in fast-moving or immature environments Ability to operate independently within a matrixed organization Comfortable operating in ambiguity, making defensible decisions without complete information, and adjusting as the program evolves US Citizen

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting defense technology or software programs Familiarity with Other Transaction (OT/OTA) contracts Experience working with acceptance-based invoicing models Experience supporting multi-party subcontractor ecosystems Familiarity with DoW program execution environments NCMA CPCM or CFCM Why This Role Matters This role sits at the center of program