Build the Future of Aerospace & Defense Contracts

Are you ready to build something from the ground up in a high-impact aerospace and defense environment?
Do you thrive on shaping strategy, influencing outcomes, and leading mission-critical contracts?
What if your next role gave you the autonomy to create, lead, and leave a lasting mark on a growing business?

At Stress Engineering Services, we don’t just solve problems, we tackle the challenges others can’t. Since 1972, we’ve earned a reputation as a trusted, independent engineering firm delivering rigorous, defensible solutions to some of the world’s most complex technical problems. Our work spans aerospace and defense, energy, and other high-consequence industries where safety, performance, and precision are non-negotiable.

As an employee-owned company, we empower our people to think boldly, act with ownership, and make meaningful contributions every day. When you succeed here, the company succeeds with you.

SES Core Values

• We Over Me – We put the mission, our clients, and our team ahead of individual agendas.
• Unyielding Pursuit of Excellence – Excellence is the standard. We deliver the right solution, on time, every time.
• Own It – We take personal and collective accountability to earn trust and deliver results.

Why This Role Matters

This isn’t just a contracts role, it’s an opportunity to build and play a critical role within our growing Aerospace & Defense business.

As Contracts Manager, you will define how Stress Engineering engages with some of the most important organizations in the world, including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE), and NASA. Your work will directly influence mission success, enable business growth, and ensure successful execution of complex, high-stakes programs where compliance, rigor, and sound judgment are essential.

You won’t be stepping into a pre-defined box. You’ll be creating a playbook, shaping strategy, and building a scalable contracts organization that supports the long-term future of Stress Engineering’s aerospace and defense portfolio.

A Day in the Life

No two days look the same, and that’s exactly the point.

You may start your day partnering with business development and program leaders to shape acquisition strategies for new opportunities. By mid-morning, you’re leading negotiations on a complex government contract, balancing risk, compliance, and business objectives.

In the afternoon, you might advise senior leadership on FAR and DFARS strategy, navigate ITAR and export control requirements, or design processes that improve efficiency and consistency across the contract lifecycle. Throughout the day, you collaborate cross-functionally, mentor others, and serve as a trusted advisor to both internal stakeholders and external customers.

Every decision you make helps build a stronger, smarter, and more competitive aerospace and defense business.

Why Join Stress Engineering

• High-autonomy, high-impact work where your decisions truly matter
• Direct influence on mission-critical programs and national priorities
• Collaboration with world-class engineers and technical experts
• Employee-owned culture that rewards initiative, accountability, and innovation
• A rare opportunity to build, shape, and lead a growing business function

What You Bring

You are a strategic, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in ambiguity and sees opportunity where others see complexity. You’re energized by building systems, influencing stakeholders, and driving results in fast-paced, high-consequence environments.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with FAR and DFARS
• 5+ years of contracts management experience
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Government procurement and contract lifecycle management
• Experience with multiple contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, and others)
• Proven negotiation skills and ability to influence outcomes
• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership or team management experience
• Aerospace and defense industry experience
• ITAR and export control experience
• Active Secret Clearance
• 10+ years of relevant experience

What’s in It for You?

At SES, curiosity is encouraged and technical depth is valued. You’ll work alongside some of the brightest engineers in the industry on challenges that truly matter, including technologies that enable safer, more reliable, and more sustainable energy systems.

As an employee-owned firm, we offer:

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and market benchmarks
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• A collaborative, inclusive, and technically challenging environment

Our Commitment

SES is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

At SES we take pride in fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences. This position requires legal authorization to work in the U.S. Candidates must be able to provide the necessary documentation to verify identity & employment eligibility through the I-9 verification process.

Recruitment Process Disclosure:

As part of your candidacy and potential future employment, you agree to maintain the confidentiality of certain information. This includes not disclosing, sharing, or discussing any proprietary, sensitive, or client-related information obtained through your interactions with Stress Engineering Services. Whether through interviews, onboarding, or employment, you are expected to treat all company and client information as confidential and protected. This obligation applies during and after your engagement with us. By continuing in the hiring process, you acknowledge and agree to these terms of confidentiality and non-disclosure.

As part of our hiring process, Stress Engineering Services may use technology tools, including automated tools, to help organize, review, or evaluate application materials and interview-related information. These tools are used to support our recruiting process, but hiring decisions are not made solely by technology. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation or would like additional information about the process, please contact Human.Resources@Stress.com. Where required by law, we will provide additional notices if a specific tool analyzes interview responses, assessments, or other information as part of your evaluation.

EEO/Vet/Disabled Employer