Manager - Defense Contracts & Technical Engineering

Job Title: Defense Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager
Position Type: Full-time.

Job Description:

We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven individual to lead a multifunctional team responsible for interpreting, executing, and managing government and commercial defense contracts from initial quote through final delivery. This high-impact role requires knowledge of both FAR, DFARS, and NAVSEA procurement standards in addition to a strong background in manufacturing processes. This position entails direct involvement in contract quoting, proposal development, and customer relationship management, as well as overseeing the deployment of robust process documentation to support lean, efficient production processes in a high-mix, low-volume machining environment.

The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in both government contracting and technical manufacturing, combined with solid business acumen, exceptional process management skills, and a customer-oriented mindset. This role will be instrumental in driving operational excellence while contributing to revenue generation and contract growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Contract Management:

• Contract Award Support: Serve as a key participant in contract negotiations and award discussions with customers, ensuring accurate representation of capabilities and requirements.
• Quoting & Proposal Development: Lead or support the preparation of technical and cost proposals, including manufacturing process estimates, labor routing, and pricing strategies. Identify contractual risks early in the bidding process to ensure all quality, safety, and special material (e.g., Level I/SUBSAFE) requirements are integrated into the project plan.
• Customer Relationship Management: Act as a primary point of contact (POC) for customers regarding contract requirements, clarifications, and performance updates.
• Revenue Forecasting: Collaborate with sales and finance to provide accurate forecasts and track contract pipeline, awards, and execution status.

Manufacturing Process Compliance & Documentation:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all documentation and processes comply with relevant government regulations (FAR/ DFARS/ ITAR/NAVSEA), contractual requirements, and AS9100 quality standards.
• Contract Modifications: Manage and implement changes resulting from contract modifications, ensuring timely updates to documentation and internal systems/processes.
• Process Standardization: Develop, implement, and maintain departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure consistent review and execution of defense contracts. Support procurement and process engineering activities by interpreting contractual requirements and accurately and efficiently communicating this information to all respective process groups.

Leadership and Operational Oversight:

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Foster Guill Tool's company values: technical rigor, exceptional product quality, and continuous improvement- by facilitating collaboration between multiple process groups, including production.
• Workflow Optimization: Support cost reduction initiatives and identify opportunities to improve throughput, efficiency, and product quality without jeopardizing the integrity of contractual deliverables and internal process compliance.
• Quality Support : Maintain accurate documentation and records, and support internal, 3rd party/ regulatory audits, and AS9100 quality assurance initiatives.

Qualifications:
Education:

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business Operations, or a related field. An MBA or advanced business training is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years in a manufacturing and government contracting environment.
• At least 2 years in a leadership role managing technical and/or sales functions.
• Proven experience in quoting, proposal preparation, and contract lifecycle management

Desired Skills:

• Strong understanding of technical drawings, tight-tolerance machining (±.0001), and manufacturing process routing.
• In-depth knowledge of government contract regulations (FAR/DFARS/ITAR/ NAVSEA) and the federal acquisition process
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor experience a plus), quoting software, CRM platforms, and navigating customer & government agency portals.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time and project management abilities.

ITAR Security Requirement:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and capable of obtaining a Secret Security Clearance.

About Guill Tool & Engineering:

Established in 1962, we are a Level I/SUBSAFE defense contractor committed to providing precision machined components and assemblies at an economical cost to support the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base and related defense industries We are ITAR registered, AS9100 certified, and NIST SP800-171 compliant.

Guill Tool & Engineering is also recognized as a technology leader in the design and manufacture of plastic extrusion tooling worldwide. We offer custom-designed extrusion heads in addition to replacement tip & die tooling for numerous applications, including medical, wire and cable, and industrial.

We maintain a technically capable workforce committed to the continued success of our customers by providing high-quality extrusion tooling and defense components.