Leadership Development Program - Contracts (June 2027)
The Leadership Development Program at Confidential Client is a two-year rotational program designed to develop future leaders in contracts and acquisition. Participants gain hands-on experience across various contract functions including policy, negotiations, and stakeholder relations, while relocating to different U.S. locations to broaden business exposure and leadership skills. The program offers high-caliber training, mentoring, and a strong professional network to launch a successful career in aerospace and defense contracting.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering (Aerospace & Defense).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring for a two-year, rotational Contracts Leadership Development Program (CLDP) beginning June 2027. This program is a paid, career-launching opportunity for early-career candidates and recent graduates who want hands-on experience across acquisition, contract management, negotiations and stakeholder engagement. The program includes multi-site rotations across the United States, structured training, mentorship, and a pathway to long-term roles within the organization.
What You’ll Do
- Rotate across contracts and acquisition-related functions, including Acquisition Policy, Contract Change Management, Deal Formation, Government and Commercial Contracting, and Negotiations.
- Execute frontline, hands-on assignments that build practical contracting skills.
- Work with cross-functional teams to support contract administration, stakeholder relations, and compliance.
- Participate in formal training, mentoring, and leadership development activities.
- Relocate to different Confidential Client locations for short-term rotations to broaden business exposure and leadership capabilities.
Qualifications You Must Have
- Willing and able to relocate anywhere in the United States for program rotations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Studies, Political Science, or a related field.
- Relevant internship, co-op, or entry-level work experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
- U.S. citizenship is required for this role.
Qualifications We Prefer
- Experience leading or coordinating projects or teams.
- Cross-functional internship or project experience.
- Evidence of analytical or data-driven work (e.g., coursework, projects, internships).
What We Offer
- A structured two-year rotational program with mentorship from business leaders and program alumni.
- Competitive pay (salary range provided below) and a comprehensive benefits package for hired applicants, which may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement (401k) match, paid time off, parental leave, and access to learning and development resources.
- Leadership and functional training to accelerate career growth within Confidential Client.
- Network-building opportunities across the enterprise and exposure to mission-critical contracts work.
Compensation & Additional Details
- Salary range (good-faith estimate): $59,000 — $139,000 USD per year. Actual pay will depend on role, function, experience, education, and location.
- This is a U.S.-based role with onsite rotation locations; hybrid arrangements may occur between rotations per business needs.
- Candidates may be asked to attend select interview steps in person at a Confidential Client office.
- Program intended for internal interns/co-ops as well as external entry-level candidates.
Legal, Eligibility & Hiring Notes
- Applicants MUST be willing and able to relocate for all rotations and have flexibility to travel/live anywhere in the United States during the program.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program/contract access rules.
- Confidential Client is an equal opportunity employer and provides affirmative action for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans where applicable.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range