Change Order and Contract Administrator

About the Position 

We’re seeking a Change Order and Contract Administrator to support large, heavy-civil infrastructure programs—including highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and airport projects delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. This role focuses on preparation, management, award, administration and close-out of material, equipment, supply and service, professional and technical service, construction and Architecture and Engineering (A/E) contracts.  

5+ YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE IN TRANSIT INDUSTRY IS A REQUIREMENT - PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE.

This is a long-term, full-time, onsite position located in the greater Washington DC metro area. 

Responsibilities 

• Manages all activities and responsibilities throughout the full contract lifecycle—from initial proposal through close-out—for assigned contracts. 
• Plans and oversees the end-to-end procurement process, starting with receipt of the procurement request and continuing through solicitation, negotiation, contract award, administration, and final close-out. 
• Leads the contract award process, preparing and coordinating all necessary documentation and correspondence from public notice through award. This includes bid openings or proposal receipt, evaluations, determinations of responsiveness and responsibility, price reasonableness analyses, resolution of bid protests or bid errors, and preparation of award documentation for Board approval. 
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to determine the most appropriate contract type for a given procurement and supports the development of source selection plans. 
• Provides guidance on acquisition requirements and holds discussions with internal clients and vendors on contract pricing, terms, and expectations. Participates in pre-bid and proposal conferences as needed. 
• Supports internal briefings with General Counsel, the Chief Procurement Officer, and senior leadership to explain contractor positions, and advises stakeholders on policies, business practices, and interpretation of contract terms. 
• Develops well-founded pre-negotiation strategies and conducts negotiations for change orders, claims, and minor contract modifications. 
• Maintains an auditable log of contract changes and claims, clearly linking cost and schedule impacts to the program’s budget, contingency allocations, and risk assessments. 
• May work closely with scheduling, legal, finance, risk management, community relations, and executive leadership teams to ensure consistent reporting, issue tracking, and alignment on contract-related matters.  

Attributes 

• Sharp, analytical thinker who scrutinizes assumptions and pursues root cause drivers of change. 
• Strong and confident communicator (both written and verbal) capable of distilling complex technical/commercial issues for various audiences. 
• Collaborative style that defuses conflict and builds consensus among contractors, owner representatives, and third-party stakeholders. 
• Disciplined organizer who thrives amid multiple concurrent contract packages and dynamic priorities. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, engineering, construction management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 5 + years developing and administering requests for proposals/quotations, specifications, scopes of work, change orders, and different types of contracts and agreements in the passenger transit industry. 
• Strong working knowledge of the full contract lifecycle, including procurement planning, solicitation, negotiation, award, administration, change management, and close-out. 
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local procurement regulations (e.g., FAR, FTA Circulars, DBE requirements), and ability to interpret and apply agency-specific procurement guidelines. 
• Proven ability to develop negotiation strategies, evaluate pricing and cost proposals, and support the resolution of change orders and claims. 
• Demonstrated experience drafting or reviewing contract documents, procurement justifications, and award recommendation packages. 
• Proficiency with contract management software and ERP systems. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, engineering, or construction management. 
• One or more of the following certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP through PMI), National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications such as Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or Certified Contract Manager (CCM). 
• Proficiency with industry standard project management, schedule/cost and/or EDMS tools (e.g., P6, EcoSys, Unifier, MS Project, Bluebeam, etc.)   

Compensation Details 

The salary range listed for this role is $124k-$191k/yr ($60-$92/hr.) The final salary offered is based on multiple factors and thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, geographic location, etc. 

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer! 

• Unlimited Flexible Time Off 
• Paid Holidays 
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Health Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent/Elder Care) 
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Short Term Disability Insurance 
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy 
• 401(k) Plan with Guaranteed Employer Contribution 
• Formal Career Planning and Development Program 
• $2,500 Annually Towards Professional Development 
• Wellness Program with Monthly Wellness Stipend 
• Company Cell Phone or Cell Phone Plan Reimbursement 
• Free Personalized Meal Planning & Nutrition Support With a Registered Dietitian 
• Free Personal Financial Planning Services 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Employee Discounts 
• Employee Referral Bonus 

Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #IN-LNJS 

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.