Opterus is a 25-person, self-funded and debt free private aerospace startup established in 2018 to research, design, develop, and manufacture spacecraft advanced structures technologies. Our focus is on foldable and deployable structures and mechanisms for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. Several products including parabolic reflectors, booms, trusses, hinges, and solar arrays have completed significant research and development phases and are well funded and on their way to commercialization. Opterus is expanding commercial production capabilities and scaling processes accordingly. Our accounting system is DCAA audited and approved for cost plus contracts and government property management and has already been implemented in a modern project-based ERP system. We are also AS9100 certified with an efficient Quality System to manage both R&D and flight production projects.
Our next phase of growth includes bringing contract management processes inhouse. Opterus is looking for an experienced fulltime Contracts Manager to lead commercial and government contract processes with Opterus as prime, subcontractor, buyer, and seller. Responsibilities will span proposals (budgets, subcontracts, compliance, templates, submissions), contract review and negotiation (flow downs, terms, risk), and contract execution (deliverables tracking, submission, billing), and contract closeout. Contract types include consulting and master service agreements, SBIR/STTRs, BAAs, OTAs, T&M, FFP, CPFF, NDAs, and grants. Qualified applicants should have experience with these contract types and the regulations governing them (FAR and DFARs).
Opterus has a hybrid work location policy requiring two onsite days per week. Scheduling is flexible with most employees choosing a compressed 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off. Opterus offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays and time off; a 401(k) plan with matching funds; and life, AD&D, medical, and dental & vision insurances. Opterus currently pays 100% of employee and 70% of dependent health insurance premiums.
Applicants should have a BS, BA, or equivalent in a related field, at least 5 years of experience with aerospace government contracting, preferably in a small business with both R&D and production contracts. Ideal candidates are leaders, self-motivated, highly organized, detail oriented, great communicators, and have strong work ethics. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams) and ERP systems is required.
Candidates are required to be US citizens and to be able to obtain a US Department of Defense security clearance if needed.
Expected salary is $70,000 to $140,000 based on experience and qualifications.
More about Opterus: We exist for three reasons – first, to fulfill a passion for cutting-edge advanced spacecraft structures. We love inventing, building, and bringing to market crazy advanced folding, deforming, and shape changing structures. We're working on huge space-based solar power platforms, 10,000 square meter solar sails, cislunar radar systems, origami deployable reflectors, and more. Our second purpose is to provide a rewarding place to work by calming the chaos that plagues many startups in the space industry. We are not VC funded, publicly traded, or otherwise driven to maximize financial output at your expense. Our purpose is to create an enabling, intellectually rewarding, healthy, and stable work environment where we can exercise our passion for structures and business. And third, yes, we're here to make money. Unlike most startups that promise a payout far in the future if and when the company sells and all others have been paid, Opterus values employee growth plans that ensure you directly financially benefit from your hard work.