Trade, Contracts & Compliance Administrator

RAVN Group ("RAVN") is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the aviation industry, focusing on cutting-edge technology and advanced aerospace solutions. As part of the RAVN team, you'll be at the forefront of revolutionizing pilot training on military grade aircrafts and aerospace engineering in the defense sector. RAVN provides combat or high maneuver training for pilots, RDT&E, and maintenance services with its fully owned fleet of aircraft.

Job Description:

POSITION OVERVIEW: RAVN Group Inc, dba RAVN Aerospace LLC, is seeking a Contracts Administrator to support the company’s USG and Commercial (CONUS and OCONUS) contracting needs, collaborating across multiple business units.  This role, reporting to the VP of Contracts & Compliance, is part of a collaborative in-house role focused on practical risk management, efficient contract execution, and responsive business support in connection with project operations.

The ideal candidate should be comfortable with:

Aligning with RAVN’s core principal on OWNERSHIP (taking charge of the outcome), INNOVATION (solving hard problems creatively), INTEGRITY (doing the right things always), CREDIBILITY (earning trust through expertise and humility) and COLLABORATION (winning together).    Manage the assigned contract workload in a fast-growing environment with the core principals in mind.   Communicate effectively, act with high integrity, and possess a growth-oriented mindset that embraces continuous learning. Represent one’s self and the Contracts department with positive “ can do” attitude.

LOCATION:

This role is a full-time, in-office position located at RAVN Headquarters, Ellington Airfield,  Houston, TX.    Periodic travel may be required based on business needs.

TYPICAL WORKING HOURS:

Monday-Friday 8AM – 4:30 PM

UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE CONTRACTS DEPARTMENT HEAD, RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Contract Lifecycle Management:  

• Overseeing pre-award and post-award functions, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and executing agreements, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards (e.g., FAR/DFARS) and mitigating risks in high-value, complex R&D or production projects.
• Helping drive consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement in the contract lifecycle management process.

• Negotiation & Strategy:

• Assist Department Head with drafting, reviewing, revising, and negotiating contracts and related documents to secure favorable outcomes with customers and vendors.

• Ensure, terms are in accordance with company policies, risk tolerances, and business objectives, including scope, payment, schedule, indemnity, insurance, warranties, limitation of liability, termination, confidentiality, intellectual property, and dispute resolution provisions.

• Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensuring contracts align with federal regulations, company policies, and legal requirements, including customer flow-downs.

• Financial & Performance Monitoring:

• Assist Programs, as required, with monitoring contract costs, schedules, and deliverables (e.g., hardware, technical data).

• Administration & Documentation:

• Prepare contract modifications, handle change orders, and manage documentation for research, development, and production programs.

• Assist with review and establish Non-Disclosure Agreements, Consultancy Agreements, Teaming Agreements, including, but not limited to Partnership Agreements and other types of agreement, which will build business relationships with potential customers, subcontractors and industry leaders.  

• Support the development and maintenance of standard contract templates, fallback positions, negotiation guidance, and training materials.

• Track open issues, negotiation status, approvals, and execution requirements to help ensure timely turnaround and operational alignment.

• Coordinate signatures, document retention, and post-execution administration as needed.

• Assist with process improvement initiatives relating to contract management, workflow efficiency.

• Support special projects and other duties as assigned in connection with the company’s contracting functions.

• Partner with Finance, Operations, and Program Managers to ensure contract deliverables, reporting obligations, and milestones are properly understood and tracked.

• File management and maintaining accurate contract records and ensuring compliance with internal policies and procedures as well as configuration management processes for contract‑related documentation.

• Internal/External Liaison:

• Collaborating with program management, engineering, and finance to define procurement objectives and resolve contractual disputes.

• Coordinate closely with internal cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure alignment between contract terms, operational realities, and compliance requirements for supporting timely and effective contract execution.

• Manage and assist Program Management with contractual obligations, deliverables, notices, claims, and related project documentation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5-8+ years’ work experience within the aviation/aerospace/defense industry.
• Experience preferably in a corporate contracts function.
• Experience with multiple contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, and others)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government ‘Secret’ security clearance.   U.S. citizenship is required.

• Meticulous record-keeping skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex matters with minimal oversight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and comfort working cross‑functionally.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism in handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Strong familiarity with common contracting frameworks, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, or similar regulatory structures.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

•  Bachelor’s degree at a minimum.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) are highly preferred.