Contract Specialist II

About Innovas: At Innovas, we are transforming the way government innovates by delivering the mechanisms that turn ideas into action. We bring together the right people, processes, and technologies to accelerate progress where it matters most. With a focus on impact over bureaucracy, collaboration over silos, and solutions over status quo, we we're built to act. Our team is made up of passionate problem-solvers, innovators, and experts who thrive on tackling meaningful challenges and delivering results. At Innovas, every role contributes to something bigger. Whether you’re supporting technology acquisition, improving processes, or enabling collaboration across organizations, your work helps move critical missions forward. Join Innovas and help shape the future of government innovation. Why work at Innovas: Work on problems that matter. At Innovas, your work directly supports innovation that shapes our nation’s future and delivers solutions with real-world impact. Be part of something built differently. Our teams are empowered to focus on solving problems, creating value, and exceeding expectations. Bring ideas to life. Work alongside passionate problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and turning possibilities into progress. Grow alongside a team of experts. Our people bring diverse experiences from government, military, industry, technology, and entrepreneurship. In this position, the hired individual will be part of a team supporting NSTXL activities. Job Description The Contract Specialist II will perform as the lead contracts specialist for assigned projects under a portfolio of Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) based projects focused on prototyping emerging technologies for defense applications. Reporting to the Sr. Contracts Manager, the selected Specialist will be responsible for an array of tasks in support of project Performers and our Department of Defense customers throughout all project phases of our prototypes. The Specialist will work closely with various departments, such as program managers, marketing, and finance, to mitigate risks and ensure that all agreement obligations are met. The role requires a strong contracting skillset combined with customer service & problem-solving skills. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Performs as the lead contracts specialist for assigned projects throughout the project lifecycle. Develops, prepares, reviews, and administers agreements, to include all associated supporting documents and/or other memoranda, that are compliant with policies, regulations, and statutes. Provides reviewed, edited, and ‘ready-to-approve’ contractual actions or other documentation for internal consideration & approval (i.e., Senior Contracts Manager review) Supports, participates, and/or acts as lead moderator in low-to-moderately complex contract negotiations with performers and/or customers, as assigned. Leads troubleshooting efforts to resolve contractual issues and elevates to management when appropriate. Reviews contract terms to identify potential risk and monitors for compliance issues at prime, performer and sub-performer tiers. Prepares high-quality documentation, correspondence, and presentations to support various actions. Examines supporting materials and agreement documents, conducts timely research, and shares findings with supervisor and/or team as applicable. Authors high-quality documentation and correspondence. In coordination with supervisor & team, performs as a primary liaison between the organization and performers/customers for assigned workload. Maintains accurate, thorough, and complete contract records to ensure compliance with contractual, reporting, and regulatory requirements. Contribute to presentations in support of various actions as assigned. In coordination with supervisor & team, performs as a primary liaison between the organization and performers/customers for assigned workload. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Expected for Position: Bachelor’s Degree or other Advanced Degree in relevant field of study such as Business Administration. 3+ years federal contracting experience (commercial/private sector and/or civil service). Direct experience in contract execution, procurement, or acquisition in support of a defense-centric contracting portfolio. Working knowledge and practical experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and other relevant regulations and instructions. Experience executing projects and contracts from inception to completion. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas clearly and effectively. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Competence in negotiating terms and resolving conflicts Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges that arise. Strong sense of ethics and integrity to ensure compliance with terms and conditions and to protect sensitive information. Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven tasks and projects simultaneously. Taking initiative and anticipating needs and issues before they arise. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, regulations, policies, and project requirements. High level of accuracy and attention to detail in contract documentation and management. Proficient with contract management software and tools, as well as general office software such as Microsoft Office Suite. Preferred Skills/Experience Direct experience with 10 U.S.C. 4022 (Other Transactions for Prototyping) and/or 10 U.S.C. 4021 (Research Projects) NCMA (e.g., CPCM) or DAWIA certification (e.g., Level I, II, or III in Contracting) Knowledge and understanding of the FAR Source Selection Processes and/or Commercial Supplier Selection Processes Familiarity with Navy programs Required license or credential needed to perform job: Secret-level security clearance (or an ability to receive approval of clearance) Travel Travel for this position is estimated up to 10% Equal Opportunity Employer: Innovas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. What We Offer: We strive to be one of the best places to work in America. We offer competitive salaries and benefits that include: Health Insurance: Medical and dental – company pays 90% of premiums for individual coverage and for family coverage Vision Insurance: Fully covered Retirement Plans: 401(k) with employer match up to 4% Paid Time Off: Paid sick and safe leave, 10 federal holidays, floating holiday + your birthday, and generous vacation Other: Basic Life & AD&D policy company paid Voluntary Life Flexible & remote work structure Wellness reimbursement plan & mental health support Community sponsorships Donation matching Professional development allowance If you need any form of accommodation for the interview process, please let us know at the time we contact you. We take a geo-neutral approach to compensation within the US, meaning that we pay based on job function and level, not location. Currently we are only open to remote employees residing in the following states: AL, FL, IN, NC, OH, PA, TN, SC, TX, VA.