Manager, Defense Contract

Ford Motor Company

. Manage the full lifecycle of federal contracts and subcontracts for assigned defense vehicle and engineering programs .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $115,500 - $218,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in managing federal contracts and subcontracts within the defense sector, with a strong focus on FAR/DFARS compliance and negotiation of complex agreements. Proven ability to collaborate with military customers and internal stakeholders to ensure procurement compliance and risk management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Federal Contracts ManagementFAR/DFARS ComplianceNegotiation of Defense ContractsDoD ExperienceSubcontracting Frameworks

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Contract Lifecycle ManagementBid and Proposal ActivitiesNon-Disclosure AgreementsTeaming AgreementsComplex Systems Experience

Soft Skills

CommunicationLeadershipCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Defense Vehicle ProgramsFederal Acquisition RegulationsOther Transaction AuthoritySupply Chain Risk ManagementMilitary Customer Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the full lifecycle of federal contracts and subcontracts for assigned defense vehicle and engineering programs
Lead bid and proposal activities, including drafting Non-Disclosure Agreements, Teaming Agreements, and subcontracting frameworks
Interpret and apply Federal Acquisition Regulations, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations, and Other Transaction Authority regulations
Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters with U.S. military customers, government agencies, and internal leadership
Partner with Ford stakeholders to ensure compliant procurement procedures, manage supply chain risks, and ensure subcontractors meet federal guidelines

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree
Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in DoD and/or federal government contracts management
Proven, hands-on intermediate knowledge of FAR/DFARS compliance and OTA frameworks
Demonstrated success negotiating complex defense-sector contracts and subcontracts
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Military experience or veteran status preferred
Experience on large, complex defense programs, ideally vehicle programs, though aircraft, power systems, or other complex systems are relevant

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up childcare
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time