Contract Compliance and Legal Operations Specialist

At Benchmark, we are driven by our purpose: to innovate for a healthier, safer, and better-connected world to create a brighter future. When you join us, you become part of a team passionate about making a meaningful impact across various sectors, including commercial aerospace, defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and semiconductor capital equipment. We prioritize career growth, fostering a culture that ensures you reach your full potential. At Benchmark, your work is purpose-driven, enabling you to create a positive impact on the world and make your career truly meaningful. You'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive team that values your ideas and contributions.

Summary:

The Contract Compliance and Legal Operations Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and internal advisor to the business in Government Contract Compliance. The role focuses on U.S. government contracting regulations (primarily DoD and DHS requirements) and monitoring regulatory changes, providing training and guidance, and supporting commercial contract negotiations to ensure stakeholders are informed of relevant compliance considerations.

Responsibilities:

• Government Contract Compliance
• Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Corporate Facility Security Officer (FSO).
• Support COMSEC / Facility Clearances / NISP.
• Monitor required notices.
• Support negotiation and administration of assigned government contracts/subcontracts, terms and conditions, and teaming agreements within corporate risk parameters and in compliance with corporate policies (primarily firm fixed price).
• Briefing of contracts - communicate contract and regulatory requirements for commercial agreements (MSAs, ESAs, ICAs, procurement agreements, etc. including amendments).
• In collaboration with other corporate resources, being a resource for the corporation, provide guidance and support compliance with various contract regimens and requirements including:
• Federal Acquisition Regulations/ Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
• Maintain a listing of applicable contract clauses and required flow-downs to subcontractors & vendors.
• Provide guidance and training on Truth in Negotiation Act (TINA) requirements.
• Periodic review of TINA compliant database.
• Provide educational support and updates on Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Periodic review of CAS contracts database.
• Buy American Act (BAA)
• Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism
• Contract and System Certifications
• System for Award Management (SAM) - Manage and update, including Cage Codes
• Exostar - Review and centralize (as needed) administration, licenses, procurement, and subscription process.
• Monitor, interpret, and communicate updates to compliance frameworks in federal regulations and agency-specific requirements (e.g., DoD, DHS).
• Assist in preparing for audits or reviews by ensuring teams understand expectations and documentation needs.
• Serve as a resource for internal stakeholders on regulatory questions and best practices.
• Provide Reps & Certs completion assistance and authorizations for company signature.
• In collaboration with other corporate resources, develop, contribute to and/or maintain policies and procedures:
• Defense Priorities & Allocations System (DPAS) / Rated Orders acceptance and flow-down.
• Necessary flow-down clauses to supply chain subcontractors/vendors.
• Government Supply Chain and Product Content Requirements, including Counterfeit Parts.
• Create and periodically review contract negotiation playbooks to support informed decision-making and risk awareness to assist Corporate Legal and business partners to minimize the Company's risk and liability.
• Create and operationalize tools and processes with an eye toward standardization to enable business partners to engage in self-help.
• Create and implement cross-training for paraprofessionals and other team members of Corporate Legal.
• Assists with reporting and metrics to communicate awareness and understanding of established policies and guidance.
• Create, implement, and facilitate training programs on contracts and, with respect to government contracts, regulatory frameworks, including FAR, DFARS, TINA, CAS, FCL, BAA, DPAS, and others.
• Create and maintain reporting of metrics to communicate findings, status, progress, risks, issues, or changes that may impact the Company or Corporate Legal goals and objectives.
• Drives continuous improvement by developing a cadence to review policies, processes, and workflows to make start, stop, continue assessments.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Key Competencies and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Public Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in government contracting, compliance, or legal advisory roles.
• Understanding of System for Award Management (SAM) and Cage Codes management.
• Expertise in corporate engagement and contract protocols.
• In-depth working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, TINA, CAS, BAAA, DPAS, FCL (including FSO Orientation for Non-Possessing Facilities Curriculum (IS020.CU) and FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities Curriculum (IS030.CU)), and DCSA provisions, processes, and applicability.
• Strong project and program management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex regulations into practical guidance.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with a strategic mindset.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
• Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
• Facility Security Officer (FSO) training or certification

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Public Administration, or related field

Geographical Location: Arizona:Tempe

Physical Location: Tempe, AZ - Headquarters

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: M-F 0800-1700

Full Time

In our innovative environment, you'll work with cutting-edge technology, leading the way in engineering design and delivering world-class manufacturing services for products that make a real difference in the lives of others. At Benchmark, your career is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to be part of something bigger, where your work matters and helps shape a brighter future for everyone. Together, we will achieve extraordinary things.

Export Control: This job position may include access to controlled information or technology covered under applicable U.S. export control laws. As such, employment for this job position may be contingent on either verification that an applicant falls under the definition of a "U.S. Person" (which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status) or on the Company timely obtaining any necessary export license required under federal laws. The Company evaluates such export license situations on a case-by-case basis and may decline to proceed with a job applicant in its sole discretion since export license applications can take many weeks to be processed.

Benchmark is an equal opportunity employer. We are bringing together a dynamic workforce with unique talents, life experiences, cultures, and perspectives to promote an innovative, collaborative, and creative place to work. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at careers@bench.com.