About Ocean Aero:

Ocean Aero is an award-winning US company that has created the world’s first and only environmentally powered Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV.) Ocean Aero’s autonomous marine robot, the Triton, operates exclusively on wind and solar energy and performs long endurance missions on the ocean surface with the ability to dive below the waves for underwater operations. The Triton uses a complex array of custom-built sensors, marinized electronics and software systems to operate, sense and communicate in the environment.

Ocean Aero has a collaborative culture with plenty of opportunities for growth and ownership, and comprehensive benefits.

Role Description:

Ocean Aero is seeking a strategic, business-minded Commercial Contracts Manager to lead the full lifecycle of commercial, U.S. Government, and international contracts supporting the global growth of its autonomous maritime systems. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this highly visible role serves as the company's principal contracts advisor, partnering with executive leadership to negotiate and administer complex agreements, mitigate risk, and drive strategic business initiatives across domestic and international markets. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of U.S. Government contracting, international business development, and strategic partnerships, building relationships with U.S. Government agencies, foreign governments, commercial customers, and global partners while navigating diverse regulatory environments, geopolitical considerations, and cultural nuances. The ideal candidate is a self-directed contracts professional with expertise in FAR and DFARS, exceptional negotiation and communication skills, executive presence, and a proven ability to support growth within the defense, maritime, aerospace, or advanced technology sectors.

Role Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of this role is to prepare, review, negotiate, and administer contracts for the company. All other responsibilities stem from that primary focus.

U.S. Commercial & Government Contract Management

• Independently manage the complete lifecycle of commercial, U.S. Government, and international contracts, including proposal support, contract negotiations, purchase orders, contract administration, modifications, option exercises, claims, and contract closeout
• Prepare, review, negotiate, and administer commercial agreements, U.S. Government prime contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, teaming agreements, supplier agreements, licensing agreements, strategic partnership agreements, and international commercial contracts
• Serve as Ocean Aero's primary contracts interface with U.S. Government contracting personnel, prime contractors, commercial customers, international clients, suppliers, and strategic partners
• Lead complex negotiations that balance customer objectives with Ocean Aero's business strategy, contractual risk tolerance, and long-term growth objectives
• Evaluate contractual terms and conditions, identify business and legal risks, and develop practical recommendations that enable successful program execution while protecting company interests
• Provide executive leadership with strategic guidance on contractual rights, obligations, compliance, and risk mitigation.

International Business & Global Market Expansion

• Partner directly with executive leadership to support Ocean Aero's international growth strategy and expansion into emerging defense, security, and commercial maritime markets
• Structure and negotiate agreements that support international business development initiatives while navigating varying legal systems, procurement frameworks, and cultural expectations
• Demonstrate a high degree of cultural intelligence and adaptability when negotiating with international customers, recognizing that successful business outcomes often require an understanding of regional customs, communication styles, decision-making processes, and business etiquette
• Support strategic initiatives involving foreign military organizations, allied governments, multinational corporations, and international research institutions

U.S. Government Contracting & Proposal Support

• Support proposal development activities through the review of RFPs, RFQs, solicitations, and contractual requirements to ensure compliant and competitive proposals
• Support Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), Program Managers, and internal stakeholders by maintaining, modifying, and updating acquisition documentation throughout the procurement lifecycle
• Prepare, review, and maintain procurement documentation including:
• Requests for Proposal (RFP)
• Requests for Quote (RFQ)
• Statements of Work (SOW)
• Performance Work Statements (PWS)
• Statements of Objectives (SOO)
• Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs)
• Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs)
• DD Form 254
• Purchase Requests (PRs)
• Market Research Reports
• Acquisition Plans
• Source Selection Plans
• Justifications & Approvals (J&A)
• Determinations & Findings (D&F)
• Draft procurement documentation in accordance with FAR, DFARS, and applicable Department of War acquisition requirements
• Track contracts, task orders, delivery orders, modifications, funding actions, deliverables, and contract options throughout the contract lifecycle
• Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, and applicable agency supplements while ensuring contractual compliance and supporting successful program execution
• Monitor and maintain existing IDIQ contracts and identify opportunities for additional contracts

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), applicable international trade requirements, and company policies
• Identify contractual, financial, regulatory, and operational risks and develop strategies to mitigate potential business impacts.
• Advise leadership on policy matters, compliance issues, and contractual best practices
• Support audits, contract reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen Ocean Aero's contracting processes and governance framework

Role Requirements:

In addition to a minimum of 5 years of commercial contract management experience, a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration or equivalent advanced degree is highly valued.

Additional requirements include:

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance and U.S. Passport
• Successfully pass drug test, background check, and motor vehicle screening
• Ability to travel (domestic and internationally)