Whisper Aero · 2 months ago
Contract Manager
Crossville, Tennessee, United States
Contract
Onsite
Mid, Senior LevelWhisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. They are seeking a detail-driven Contract Manager to manage the full contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance and alignment with strategic objectives for both government and commercial programs.
AerospaceGreenTechManufacturing
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Manage the end-to-end contracting process for customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and government agencies
Review, draft, and negotiate contract terms to mitigate risk, ensure compliance, and advance company goals
Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) requirements, ensuring Whisper remains fully compliant with all applicable regulations
Lead the analysis of RFPs, identifying contractual, financial, and operational risks while recommending negotiation and mitigation strategies
Advise senior management and cross-functional partners (Legal, Finance, Engineering, and Program Management) on contract structure, pricing models, and subcontracting strategies
Negotiate and manage supporting agreements, including Team Agreements, NDAs, License Agreements, and OCI Mitigation Plans
Support proposal development by advising which government agencies, programs, or partners to target for strategic alignment
Maintain strong working relationships with suppliers and external stakeholders to ensure timely execution and performance of contractual obligations
Champion continuous improvement of internal contracting processes to align with both startup efficiency and government contracting best practices
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law, or a related field
Proven experience in government and commercial contract management, ideally within aerospace, defense, or advanced technology sectors
In-depth knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS)
Experience with a variety of contract types (e.g., T&M, Fixed-Price, Cost-Plus)
Demonstrated ability to lead contract negotiations and push back on unfavorable terms while maintaining positive relationships
Strong communication and analytical skills, capable of interpreting complex contract language and advising cross-functional teams
U.S. Citizenship required
Preferred
Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or related)
Experience with NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) and other agency-specific contracting requirements
Knowledge of intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, and export control regulations
Prior experience advising on proposal strategies and government agency engagement
Background in startups or high-growth environments, balancing compliance rigor with operational agility
Benefits
100% paid Medical, dental, and vision for employees, 75% paid for dependents
Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life
End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Professional Development Stipend
Company
Whisper Aero
Whisper Aero manufactures ultra-quiet electric propulsion systems for drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
Founded in 2020
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$41MKey Investors
Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
2025-04-26Grant· $0.5M
2023-04-18Series A· $33M
2021-08-17Series Unknown· $7.5M
Leadership Team
Mark Moore
Chief Executive Officer
Ian Villa
COO & Chief Product Officer
Recent News
2026-01-09
MenloVentures
2026-01-05
Bizjournals.com Feed (2025-11-12 15:43:17)
2026-01-05
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