Senior Contract Specialist - Legal
Otto Aerospace, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Otto Aerospace
Otto is developing the world’s first fifth‑generation business jet, engineered for sustainability through advanced super‑laminar aerodynamics and high‑precision, net‑shaped composites. Our technology demonstrator has validated dramatic reductions in fuel burn while delivering a step‑change in cabin comfort. We design aircraft from first‑principles physics and are building a new class of business aviation defined by efficiency, performance, and uncompromising engineering rigor.
About the Role Otto is seeking a Senior Contracts Specialist to serve as a central business partner at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth. As the company’s first Law Department senior commercial contracting hire, you will support us in managing Otto’s commercial and strategic contracting activities end‑to‑end. You will assist in structuring complex agreements, shaping contracting strategy, and building the contracting infrastructure that will support Otto through rapid scaling, major institutional financing, and eventual public‑company readiness.
You will help manage the full lifecycle of customer, vendor, supplier, and strategic partnership agreements while establishing the systems, processes, and playbooks that enable Otto’s commercial, supply chain, and engineering teams to move quickly without compromising contractual discipline. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role blending sophisticated contract management with operational leadership across process design, contract operations, and cross‑functional alignment.
About the Law Department Otto’s Law Department partners closely with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, finance, and executive leadership to enable disciplined growth, protect the company’s long‑term interests, and support mission‑critical decisions. As Senior Contracts Specialist, you will support the development of contracting frameworks, contribute to the department’s operating model, and help build the foundation that will support Otto through late‑stage private growth and beyond.
What You’ll Do
Assist in managing commercial, customer, supplier, and strategic partnership agreements
Support the Law Department in coordinating contracting activities across all business areas
Manage the full lifecycle of vendor and customer contracts, including intake, drafting, negotiation support, execution, and renewal
Draft, review, and support negotiation of complex, high‑value, and often bespoke commercial agreements
Develop and maintain contract playbooks, clause libraries, fallback positions, and standardized templates
Build scalable contracting processes and implement best practices that balance compliance, agility, and business efficiency
Track key contract terms, deliverables, renewals, and obligations using contract lifecycle management tools
Manage the Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system for the Law Department, including configuration, optimization, reporting, and user support
Partner cross‑functionally with Sales, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Compliance, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and execution
Represent the contracting function in negotiations with executives, engineers, vendors, customers, and strategic partners
Identify and implement process improvements to streamline contracting workflows and reduce turnaround times
Who You Are Education
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CPCM, NCMA credentials) are a plus
Experience
8+ years of experience in commercial contracting, contract management, procurement contracting, or a related field
Experience in a technology, aerospace, industrial, or deep‑tech environment
Demonstrated ability to support negotiation of complex, long‑dated, or strategically significant agreements
Experience overseeing contract operations, vendor agreements, or sales contracting workflows
Hands‑on experience with CLM systems is important; experience with Ironclad is strongly preferred
Familiarity with procurement processes, sales operations, and contract lifecycle management systems
Background in regulated, export‑controlled, or manufacturing‑intensive environments is helpful
U.S. citizenship required (ITAR)
Required Skills
Exceptional drafting, negotiation support, and analytical abilities
Strong business judgment and the ability to balance risk with commercial objectives
Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive clarity in fast‑moving, ambiguous environments
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross‑functional teams
High attention to detail, organizational discipline, and operational rigor
Pragmatic, low‑ego, and comfortable making decisions independently
Where You’ll Be Option 1 – Hybrid On‑Site (Preferred: Washington, D.C. Area)
This role will begin as a hybrid position with periodic on‑site work in Jacksonville, FL later in the year as program activity increases. Candidates based in the Washington, D.C. area are strongly preferred due to proximity to key partners and stakeholders.
Option 2 – Remote (Preferred: Washington, D.C. Area)
This role may also be performed remotely, with periodic travel for key meetings, negotiations, and program reviews. Candidates located in the Washington, D.C. area are preferred to support collaboration with government, regulatory, and strategic partners.
Benefits Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short‑term disability, voluntary long‑term disability, and additional term life insurance. Employees receive 15 paid days off, 13 paid company holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some positions qualify for bonuses and stock options.
Equal Opportunity Employer Otto Aerospace is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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About the Role Otto is seeking a Senior Contracts Specialist to serve as a central business partner at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth. As the company’s first Law Department senior commercial contracting hire, you will support us in managing Otto’s commercial and strategic contracting activities end‑to‑end. You will assist in structuring complex agreements, shaping contracting strategy, and building the contracting infrastructure that will support Otto through rapid scaling, major institutional financing, and eventual public‑company readiness.
You will help manage the full lifecycle of customer, vendor, supplier, and strategic partnership agreements while establishing the systems, processes, and playbooks that enable Otto’s commercial, supply chain, and engineering teams to move quickly without compromising contractual discipline. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role blending sophisticated contract management with operational leadership across process design, contract operations, and cross‑functional alignment.
About the Law Department Otto’s Law Department partners closely with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, finance, and executive leadership to enable disciplined growth, protect the company’s long‑term interests, and support mission‑critical decisions. As Senior Contracts Specialist, you will support the development of contracting frameworks, contribute to the department’s operating model, and help build the foundation that will support Otto through late‑stage private growth and beyond.
What You’ll Do
Assist in managing commercial, customer, supplier, and strategic partnership agreements
Support the Law Department in coordinating contracting activities across all business areas
Manage the full lifecycle of vendor and customer contracts, including intake, drafting, negotiation support, execution, and renewal
Draft, review, and support negotiation of complex, high‑value, and often bespoke commercial agreements
Develop and maintain contract playbooks, clause libraries, fallback positions, and standardized templates
Build scalable contracting processes and implement best practices that balance compliance, agility, and business efficiency
Track key contract terms, deliverables, renewals, and obligations using contract lifecycle management tools
Manage the Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system for the Law Department, including configuration, optimization, reporting, and user support
Partner cross‑functionally with Sales, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Compliance, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and execution
Represent the contracting function in negotiations with executives, engineers, vendors, customers, and strategic partners
Identify and implement process improvements to streamline contracting workflows and reduce turnaround times
Who You Are Education
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CPCM, NCMA credentials) are a plus
Experience
8+ years of experience in commercial contracting, contract management, procurement contracting, or a related field
Experience in a technology, aerospace, industrial, or deep‑tech environment
Demonstrated ability to support negotiation of complex, long‑dated, or strategically significant agreements
Experience overseeing contract operations, vendor agreements, or sales contracting workflows
Hands‑on experience with CLM systems is important; experience with Ironclad is strongly preferred
Familiarity with procurement processes, sales operations, and contract lifecycle management systems
Background in regulated, export‑controlled, or manufacturing‑intensive environments is helpful
U.S. citizenship required (ITAR)
Required Skills
Exceptional drafting, negotiation support, and analytical abilities
Strong business judgment and the ability to balance risk with commercial objectives
Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive clarity in fast‑moving, ambiguous environments
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross‑functional teams
High attention to detail, organizational discipline, and operational rigor
Pragmatic, low‑ego, and comfortable making decisions independently
Where You’ll Be Option 1 – Hybrid On‑Site (Preferred: Washington, D.C. Area)
This role will begin as a hybrid position with periodic on‑site work in Jacksonville, FL later in the year as program activity increases. Candidates based in the Washington, D.C. area are strongly preferred due to proximity to key partners and stakeholders.
Option 2 – Remote (Preferred: Washington, D.C. Area)
This role may also be performed remotely, with periodic travel for key meetings, negotiations, and program reviews. Candidates located in the Washington, D.C. area are preferred to support collaboration with government, regulatory, and strategic partners.
Benefits Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short‑term disability, voluntary long‑term disability, and additional term life insurance. Employees receive 15 paid days off, 13 paid company holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some positions qualify for bonuses and stock options.
Equal Opportunity Employer Otto Aerospace is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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