What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Contracts Manager position at Bluestaq?
Job ID: BUS-SENIOR-CON-MGR-1561153
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is not a remote position.
Salary Range: In compliance with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the salary range for this role is $150,000 - $230,000. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and location
Additional Compensation: This position is eligible for an end-of-year bonus.
Employment Benefits: Bluestaq offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Leave, and 401k. For more information regarding Bluestaq benefits, please visit https://www.bluestaq.com/benefits
Where Innovation Powers Impact
Ready to turn your expertise into impact? Welcome to Bluestaq.
About Bluestaq
At Bluestaq, we're not just another tech company-we're a mission-driven team of innovators, problem-solvers, and trailblazers. Whether supporting space exploration, defense systems, global alliances, government initiatives, healthcare advancements, or commercial breakthroughs, our work spans industries that shape the future. Founded in 2018, Bluestaq has quickly become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management. Our name? A nod to our roots-"blue" (military shorthand for the good guys) and "staq" (as in software stack).
At Bluestaq, we don't believe in checking boxes-we believe in hiring the right human for the mission. We evaluate talent based on skill, grit, and integrity-period. The result? A naturally diverse team of professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments because they care deeply about the work.
Recognized Excellence
We don't just talk about excellence-we deliver it. Bluestaq has earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and is consistently ranked among Colorado's Best Workplaces. Whether we're supporting national security, enabling healthcare advancements, or driving commercial innovation, we're committed to building data management solutions that matter.
Why Colorado Springs?
Join the Mission
Ready to push boundaries with tech that transforms industries? At Bluestaq, we engineer secure, scalable data ecosystems for space, defense, healthcare, and beyond. Join us to tackle mission-critical challenges, protect the world's most valuable data, and build what's next. Let's make extraordinary possible - together.
Why This Role Matters
At Bluestaq, we don't just manage contracts-we architect the legal and operational infrastructure that fuels innovation in defense, aerospace, and dual-use technology. As we support mission-critical programs across the federal landscape, your expertise in complex contracting will drive strategic execution and empower cross-functional success.
We are seeking a Senior Contracts Manager with deep experience in U.S. Government (USG) acquisition regulations, intellectual property, and risk management to lead high-impact contracting initiatives. In this role, you'll collaborate across legal, business, and technical teams, mentor emerging talent, and ensure compliance while creating agile, forward-thinking contracting strategies. This is a unique opportunity to influence business outcomes and help scale a growing organization at the cutting edge of national security and commercial tech.
Responsibilities
Required Education: 10 years of experience in contracts and procurement, with a Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Public Policy, or a related field OR Associate degree with 2 additional years beyond the minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree OR a High School Diploma with 4 additional years beyond the minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted until Monday, August 4, 2025, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.
Clearance Requirement: This position requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance, US Citizenship is required, and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs.
Relocation: This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.
Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law.
Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at contact.us@bluestaq.com.
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is not a remote position.
Salary Range: In compliance with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the salary range for this role is $150,000 - $230,000. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and location
Additional Compensation: This position is eligible for an end-of-year bonus.
Employment Benefits: Bluestaq offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Leave, and 401k. For more information regarding Bluestaq benefits, please visit https://www.bluestaq.com/benefits
Where Innovation Powers Impact
Ready to turn your expertise into impact? Welcome to Bluestaq.
About Bluestaq
At Bluestaq, we're not just another tech company-we're a mission-driven team of innovators, problem-solvers, and trailblazers. Whether supporting space exploration, defense systems, global alliances, government initiatives, healthcare advancements, or commercial breakthroughs, our work spans industries that shape the future. Founded in 2018, Bluestaq has quickly become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management. Our name? A nod to our roots-"blue" (military shorthand for the good guys) and "staq" (as in software stack).
At Bluestaq, we don't believe in checking boxes-we believe in hiring the right human for the mission. We evaluate talent based on skill, grit, and integrity-period. The result? A naturally diverse team of professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments because they care deeply about the work.
Recognized Excellence
We don't just talk about excellence-we deliver it. Bluestaq has earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and is consistently ranked among Colorado's Best Workplaces. Whether we're supporting national security, enabling healthcare advancements, or driving commercial innovation, we're committed to building data management solutions that matter.
Why Colorado Springs?
- Tech Talent Hotspot - Ranked #2 up-and-coming tech market in North America by CBRE (2024).
- Top Place to Live - Named #3 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and Most Desirable City overall by U.S. News (2024-25).
- Neighborly Spirit - Recognized as America's Most Neighborly City (2024) for community engagement and quality of life.
- Active Lifestyle Hub - Top 5 for hiking and fitness, blending outdoor recreation and wellness (2022).
- Pet-Friendly Leader - Ranked #1 Most Pet-Friendly City in the U.S. (2023) for furry, scaly, and feathery friends.
- Women's Workforce Haven - Ranked #6 Best City for Women in the Workforce by Checkr (2025), highlighting earning potential and female leadership opportunities.
Join the Mission
Ready to push boundaries with tech that transforms industries? At Bluestaq, we engineer secure, scalable data ecosystems for space, defense, healthcare, and beyond. Join us to tackle mission-critical challenges, protect the world's most valuable data, and build what's next. Let's make extraordinary possible - together.
Why This Role Matters
At Bluestaq, we don't just manage contracts-we architect the legal and operational infrastructure that fuels innovation in defense, aerospace, and dual-use technology. As we support mission-critical programs across the federal landscape, your expertise in complex contracting will drive strategic execution and empower cross-functional success.
We are seeking a Senior Contracts Manager with deep experience in U.S. Government (USG) acquisition regulations, intellectual property, and risk management to lead high-impact contracting initiatives. In this role, you'll collaborate across legal, business, and technical teams, mentor emerging talent, and ensure compliance while creating agile, forward-thinking contracting strategies. This is a unique opportunity to influence business outcomes and help scale a growing organization at the cutting edge of national security and commercial tech.
Responsibilities
- Lead negotiation, administration, and closeout of complex federal and commercial contracts, including SBIRs, OTAs, and GSA Schedules.
- Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and export compliance regulations across all phases of the contract lifecycle.
- Manage and negotiate large, high-value contracts, ensuring alignment with internal strategy and risk posture.
- Support proposal development, including RFP shaping, clause analysis, and pricing alignment, in coordination with capture and program teams.
- Lead internal governance reviews related to IP rights, data rights, and risk assessment, ensuring appropriate protection and regulatory alignment.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with customers, contracting officers, and partners; build and maintain productive, trust-based relationships.
- Advise executive and program leadership on contractual obligations, risk exposure, and compliance strategy; deliver briefings to senior stakeholders.
- Collaborate with external counsel and internal specialists on compliance matters spanning ethics, IP, cost principles, and procurement law.
- Mentor and train internal team members and provide guidance to customer teams on contractual best practices, IP strategy, and regulatory compliance.
- Perform strategic contract analysis, manage historical records, and contribute to continuous improvement in process and documentation.
- Provide day-to-day leadership to the contracts team, setting priorities, reviewing complex contract work, and ensuring alignment with Bluestaq's business objectives and compliance standards.
- Act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for contract-related questions across the organization.
- Mentor and support the professional growth of contract personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with cross-functional leads to ensure integrated support for program delivery and proposal efforts.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of internal contracting policies, templates, and training resources.
- A master's degree in business, Law, Public Policy, or a related field is a plus.
- 10 years of experience in federal contracts, including proposal development, negotiation, administration, and close-out.
- Experience leading contracts and procurement professionals.
- In-depth understanding of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and export licensing requirements.
- Demonstrated success leading large, complex contract negotiations with USG and DCS customers.
- Proven experience with USG Intellectual Property rights, including data rights clauses and license strategies.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to assess contractual risk and shape negotiations that align with strategic priorities.
- Experience developing RFP responses, bid strategies, and shaping acquisition approaches in partnership with technical teams.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to brief and influence senior leadership.
- Skilled in contract lifecycle management tools and analytics platforms.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, formal or informal, with a track record of mentoring and team development.
- Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
- Make a Difference: Support contracts that fuel national defense, tech innovation, and cross-sector transformation.
- Grow Others: Lead with influence and help grow talent-both inside our team and with our customers.
- Professional Development: Expand your strategic contracting expertise in a mission-driven, learning-focused environment.
- Team Culture: Join a team that values integrity, mentorship, and shared success.
Required Education: 10 years of experience in contracts and procurement, with a Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Public Policy, or a related field OR Associate degree with 2 additional years beyond the minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree OR a High School Diploma with 4 additional years beyond the minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted until Monday, August 4, 2025, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.
Clearance Requirement: This position requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance, US Citizenship is required, and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs.
Relocation: This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.
Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law.
Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at contact.us@bluestaq.com.
Salary : $150,000 - $230,000