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Contract Manager

Crossville, Tennessee, United States; Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Our Company

Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee. 

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking a detail-driven Contract Manager to join our dynamic Business Operations team. In this role, you’ll take ownership of the full contract lifecycle — from proposal through negotiation, execution, and compliance — supporting both government and commercial programs. You’ll help drive the success of new and existing agreements by ensuring that every contract aligns with Whisper’s strategic objectives, regulatory obligations, and fast-paced startup environment.

This position is ideal for a contracts professional who thrives on navigating complexity, enjoys hands-on negotiation, and can balance the rigor of aerospace compliance with the agility of an innovative company building the future of quiet, efficient propulsion.

What You’ll Do

  • 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

Basic Qualifications

  • 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

Bonus Qualifications

  • 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: 

  • Top-tier Benefits: 100% paid Medical, dental, and vision for employees, 75% paid for dependents
  • PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
  • Competitive Salary: 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

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

 

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