New

Senior Government Contracts Manager

nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Washington, Camas
Dec 11, 2025
Description Who We Are At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR). Position:Senior Government Contracts Manager Experience:8-10 years of experience in US government contract support or contract leadership roles, with at least 4 years of experience as a contracts manager working for a defense contractor Minimum Education:Bachelor's degree or comparable experience Location:Camas, WA Compensation Range: $160,000-190,000, depending upon skills, experience, and education. All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. Government Security Clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at:https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/. Please review this information before applying. Job Description: The Senior Government Contracts Manager is responsible for all aspects of contract management through all lifecycle stages from proposal through contract close-out. The Senior Contracts Manager administers, extends, negotiates, and terminates standard and non-standard contracts; conducts proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration and customer contact activities to provide for proper contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements and customer specifications; advises management of contractual rights and obligations; compiles and analyzes data; and maintains historical information; and responds to internal and external inquiries regarding contract issues, audits, and compliance requirements. Travel may be required. Responsibilities: Review draft US Government contracts provided by the USG customer or prime contractor customers, applying various US Government contract types (CPFF, FFP, CPIF, IDIQ, T&M, OTA, etc.). Review key issues and terms with internal stakeholders and draft redlines accordingly. Negotiate terms and conditions with the customer and coordinate the same. Recommend courses of action and negotiation approaches to internal functions. Support program/project level contract deliverable obligations with tracking, communication, and deliveries. Administer contracts through all lifecycle stages from proposal through contract close-out. Support program/project level contract deliverable obligations with tracking, communication, and deliveries. Administer contracts through all lifecycle stages. Support proposals with guidance in communicating within acquisition rules and submitting the proposals through official channels. Ensure contract records are accurate and well-maintained. Provide advice and guidance to internal teams supporting contract efforts. Track and provide clear, timely status to functional owners including management team. Coordinate NDA completion. After initial review, coordinate with team members to review revisions to nLIGHT NDAs or NDA forms initiated by other entities. Identify opportunities to improve business processes and devise plans/recommendations to implement these changes, coordinating with others as appropriate. Assist and/or perform in any and all areas as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business administration, contract management, or related fields is required (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience). 8-10 years of experience in US government contract support or contract management leadership roles, with at least 4 years of experience as a contracts manager working for a defense contractor. Expert level understanding of the federal acquisition process, government contracting principles, requirements, and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Acquisition Regulations (DFARs). Demonstrated advanced proposal development, document drafting, critical thinking and negotiation skills. Ability to work in a dynamic environment and to develop and maintain positive working relationships with both internal functions and external entities. Significant experience reviewing and understanding contract terms, redlining, and successfully negotiating key terms and conditions. Experience and knowledge of intellectual property considerations in US Government contracting. Possess superior organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple contracts across various programs/projects with key deadlines. High level of proficiency in MS Office applications and tools. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excel in individual and collaborative work assignments, with focus on solutions-oriented mindset and promoting a collaborative work environment. Able to effectively manage schedule and priorities to meet deadlines and provide timely support. nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Salary level based on qualifications: Senior Contracts Manager: $160,000-190,000 annually Other Compensation and Benefits: Target Cash Bonus of 5%-8% of earned wages Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year 10 paid Holidays Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts Employee Stock Purchase Plan 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance Employee Assistance Program Aflac Supplemental Insurance Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty Tuition Assistance Program Pet Insurance nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status). Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or [emailprotected]. E-Verify Participation: nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information, please review the following notices: E-Verify Participation Poster Right to Work Poster