Agreements & IP Governance Manager

About MATSYS

MATSYS, based in Sterling, Virginia, develops advanced technology for government and commercial customers across R&D, prototyping, and manufacturing. Our technology and technical data are core to what we do, and this role makes sure we protect them.

About the Role

You will own how MATSYS manages its agreements and protects its intellectual property and data rights. You will take government and commercial agreements from intake through closeout, keep the IP register and data rights records audit-ready, and help program, engineering, and business development teams understand what they can sign, share, and mark. You will run the process and escalate decisions that carry legal, financial, or strategic risk. Signature authority stays with designated company officers.

You will report to the Director of Business Agreements, Improvements & Plans.

What You'll Do

• Triage, review, and route prime contracts, subcontracts, OT agreements, SBIR/STTR awards, CRADAs, NDAs, teaming agreements, licenses, and supplier and consulting agreements.
• Summarize risks in scope, flowdowns, payment, liability, termination, and IP and data rights terms, and recommend positions to decision-makers.
• Maintain templates, a clause library, and the central agreements tracker, including key dates, obligations, and closeout requirements.
• Keep the company IP register current, run the invention disclosure process, and track government-funded subject invention deadlines.
• Track the funding source of technical data and software, maintain data rights assertion lists, and make sure deliverables carry correct restrictive markings.
• Respond to government questions and challenges about markings and assertions.
• Coordinate with Trade Compliance on export-controlled items and technology.
• Train program, engineering, and business development staff on agreement routing, NDAs, and protecting IP.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in business, contracts management, law, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years in contracts administration, agreements management, or IP and data rights administration, including agreement drafting, with at least 5 years with the government or a defense contractor.
• Strong knowledge of the FAR and DFARS, particularly the IP and data rights clauses.
• Experience reviewing NDAs, teaming agreements, subcontracts, and licensing agreements.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage many agreements and deadlines at once.
• Clear writing that turns legal and regulatory requirements into practical guidance for technical teams.
• U.S. person status as defined by the ITAR, and eligibility for a security clearance if required.

Nice to Have

• Experience with SBIR/STTR awards, OT agreements, or CRADAs.
• Familiarity with Bayh-Dole reporting and patent prosecution workflows.
• Knowledge of ITAR/EAR/OFAC, CUI handling, and NIST SP 800-171/CMMC.
• Experience in advanced materials, manufacturing, or R&D settings.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $135,000–$150,000 per year, based on experience. MATSYS offers medical coverage with an employer contribution and education sponsorship. Occasional travel may be required.

Export Control Notice

This position requires access to export-controlled information. Applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals).

Equal Opportunity Employer

MATSYS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.