Title: Contract & Business Operations Lead

Location: Central Virginia / Charlottesville, VA metro area (Madison, VA)

ARiA applies broad interdisciplinary expertise in acoustics, machine learning, and signal processing toward innovative R&D for government and corporate clients. As a high-impact, 20-person prime contractor, ARiA is a small business where you can make a big difference. We solve critical challenges—from helping the Navy use simulation to train sonar operators to working with the Air Force to transform technology acquisition through AI. We offer the technical autonomy of a startup with the mission-critical stability of a defense leader.

ARiA: Real Research. Real World.TM

For more information, visit www.ariacoustics.com.

Position Description

ARiA is seeking a highly motivated, low-ego Contract & Business Operations Lead who is a systems thinker and a proactive problem solver to serve as the operational catalyst for the organization. Based in our Madison headquarters (offering a short, stress-free commute), you will own the administrative and contractual "connective tissue" that allows our research teams to thrive.

We are looking for a high-agency professional who can lead the end-to-end lifecycle of contracts from proposal development through final closeout. This is a collaborative facilitator role designed to synchronize our accounting, security, and technical teams over the life of a contract and across contracts. Candidates should be “integrators" who view meticulous documentation and regulatory filings as a strategic service that protects the firm’s growth and ensures the team's success. Success at ARiA is measured by your ability to create "frictionless compliance," allowing our scientists to stay focused on world-class innovation.

ARiA is a lean, high-impact team. This means you will pivot between high-level prime contract negotiations in the morning and ensuring our Madison headquarters has the vendor support and HR infrastructure it needs in the afternoon. We seek a professional who finds satisfaction in the "total ownership" of the firm’s operational health. You must possess the intellectual humility to partner with technical staff, the resourcefulness to solve complex administrative puzzles independently, and a proactive mindset that supports the team by ensuring exacting contractual and regulatory compliance while making that process as effortless as possible.

Responsibilities:

• Operational Integration: Proactively synchronize the contract lifecycle by tracking government filings, cost vouchers, and technical deliverables through successful completion.
• Protective Compliance: Serve as a steward of the company’s regulatory standing by managing representations, certifications, and policies, so that the team’s research is always audit-ready and protected.
• Team Enablement & Culture: Facilitate a seamless experience for staff by coordinating the hiring process, managing benefits, and leading and welcoming onboarding journey for new team members.
• Resource Stewardship: Maintain a high-performance office environment at the Madison headquarters by overseeing vendors, managing asset inventories, and ensuring researchers have the resources they need to excel.
• Administrative Synchronization: Act as a resource for the technical team regarding travel and expenses, streamlining these processes to ensure compliance while minimizing the administrative burden on technical staff.

Requirements

• United States Citizenship and eligibility for a government security investigation are mandatory.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• High Agency: A self-starter who thrives on technical autonomy and takes pride in delivering excellence without constant supervision.
• Solution-Oriented Partnership: Demonstrated ability to work closely with technical and executive staff, using a collaborative approach to solve problems.
• Digital Fluency: Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and modern cloud-based software tools.
• Precision Communication: Exceptional attention to detail and a professional, helpful manner in all internal and external communications.
• Collaborative Humility: A professional orientation that views administrative excellence as a service to the research mission.

Desirable Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Prior experience managing the Federal Contract Lifecycle, specifically with FAR/DFARS regulations in a Prime Contractor environment.
• Subcontract Management: Experience drafting and managing Teaming Agreements and Subcontracting Agreements for technical partners.
• A history of streamlining operational workflows to improve organizational velocity and team satisfaction.
• Industrial Security Support: Experience or interest in supporting DCSA administrative functions, including personnel security processing (DISS/NBIS) and maintaining facility security records.

To apply submit cover letter and resume

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Application Question(s):

• This position requires compliance with Federal drug laws, even if such substances are legal in your state. Will you comply with Federal drug laws?
• Due to the nature of the information required to perform this job, U.S. Citizenship is required for this position. Are you a citizen of the United States?

Location:

• Madison, VA 22727 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Madison, VA 22727 (Required)

Work Location: In person