Director, Contracts & Compliance (Aerospace & Defense)
About the Role
Monarch Space Systems seeks a Director of Contracts & Compliance to serve as the institutional authority on federal contract management, regulatory compliance, and export control for aerospace and defense programs. This role is central to prime contractor readiness and the organization's ability to execute under NASA, DoD, and defense prime teaming agreements. The Director will report directly to executive leadership and partner cross-functionally with the CFO, COO, and program management teams. Primary location is Cleveland, Ohio.
Responsibilities
- Lead all contract administration activities across prime contracts, subcontracts, and teaming agreements for aerospace programs
- Ensure institutional compliance with FAR, DFARS, NASA FAR Supplement (NFS), and applicable agency supplements
- Develop and maintain export compliance program including ITAR/EAR classification, license determination, and training
- Advise executive leadership and program teams on contractual rights, obligations, risks, and opportunities
- Manage CDRL deliverable compliance, contract modifications, and customer correspondence
- Lead contract review processes and author institutional contract terms and templates
- Develop and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and internal audit mechanisms
- Coordinate with CFO on contract financial controls and DCAA audit preparation
- Support capture and proposal teams with contract risk analysis and teaming agreement structuring for space systems pursuits
- Interface with government contracting officers and prime contractor legal/contracts teams
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, or related field; J.D. or advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years of federal contracts management experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced technology
- Comprehensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and government contract law
- Demonstrated ITAR/EAR export compliance program management experience
- Experience managing both prime contracts and subcontract structures
- U.S. citizenship required
The qualifications above describe the ideal candidate profile for this position — not an inflexible checklist. Monarch Space Systems evaluates the whole of a candidate's experience, judgment, and mission alignment, and welcomes a conversation with individuals of exceptional ability whose backgrounds differ from the profile in some respects. If you believe you can contribute at the level this role demands, we encourage you to apply or to initiate a confidential inquiry through the Careers Portal. Certain criteria — including U.S. citizenship and export-control (ITAR/EAR) eligibility, where stated — are legal mandates and cannot be waived.
Preferred Qualifications
- NCMA CPCM or CFCM certification
- Experience with classified contract environments and CUI handling requirements
- CMMC and cybersecurity compliance familiarity from a contracts perspective
- Track record supporting institutional growth in government contracting for aerospace systems
This position may require eligibility to access controlled or proprietary information and may be subject to confidentiality and employment agreements, including an NDA and role-specific restrictive covenants, in accordance with applicable laws.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off, federal holidays, and personal leave
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Downtown Cleveland parking or transit subsidy
- Collaborative, mission-driven institutional culture
- Performance incentive eligibility
- Leadership role in establishing institutional contracts infrastructure
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