Why Make the Leap?

At Cognesense, this isn’t just another job – it’s your chance to be part of something bigger. You’ll play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge engineering and real-world customer needs.

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Current Opportunities

Reporting To: Contracts Manager, or VP of Operations
Location: USA

About the Role

We’re looking for a proactive, self-motivated Governments Contracts Specialist. This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of U.S. federal, state, and local government contracts within a commercial business environment. This role ensures compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS), reviews and negotiates contract terms, supports proposal development, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to maintain contractual and regulatory integrity while optimizing business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management
  • Review, draft, and negotiate government contracts, subcontracts, modifications, and NDAs.
  • Monitor contract performance and ensure adherence to contractual requirements, delivery schedules, and compliance obligations.
  • Maintain contract files and documentation in accordance with company policies and government regulations.
Compliance and Risk Mitigation
  • Ensure compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable laws.
  • Advise leadership on contract risk areas and recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Support internal audits, DCMA/DCAA reviews, and other government oversight activities.
Proposal and Pricing Support
  • Partner with business development and finance teams on RFP/RFQ responses, cost/pricing proposals, and contract-specific terms.
  • Analyze solicitation documents to identify critical requirements and potential risks.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as a liaison between the company and government contracting officers or prime contractors.
  • Work with operations, finance, and legal teams to resolve contract issues and ensure successful execution.
  • Provide training or guidance to internal staff on contract compliance requirements.
Continuous Improvement
  • Recommend process improvements for contract management and compliance tracking.
  • Stay current with regulatory changes, industry best practices, and company policies.
Performance
  • Accuracy and timeliness of contract review and administration.
  • Compliance audit outcomes (e.g., no major findings).
  • Effectiveness in risk mitigation and resolution of contract issues.
  • Contribution to successful proposal submissions and on-time project delivery.

Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Legal Studies, or a related field (Master’s or JD preferred).
  • 3–5 years of experience in government contract administration or related field within a commercial setting.
  • Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and other government procurement regulations.
  • Experience with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and small business or subcontracting plans is a plus.
  • Ethical judgment and integrity in handling sensitive government and company information.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
  • Collaborative mindset for cross-departmental teamwork.
  • Adaptability to changing regulations and fast-paced business environments.

Preferred Skills

  • Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and contract management systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Reporting To: EVP Sales & Marketing

Location: Hillside, IL

Scope

The Regional Sales Director (RSD) will drive revenue growth and expand market presence for our engineered industrial solutions within an assigned geographic territory. As an individual contributor, the RSD will be responsible for managing all aspects of regional sales, including identifying opportunities, developing relationships, and closing deals with key customers, end users, distributors, and engineering firms.

This role requires a strategic thinker with deep technical sales experience, strong customer engagement skills, and a track record of success in solution-based B2B selling within industrial markets such as oil & gas, chemical, water/wastewater, or manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Territory Sales Management:
  • Develop and execute regional sales strategies aligned with company objectives to achieve revenue and growth targets.
  • Identify new business opportunities and cultivate relationships with end users, OEMs, engineering firms, reps, and distributors.
Customer Engagement:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customers within the region, providing technical product knowledge, proposal support, and application guidance.
  • Conduct on-site visits, virtual presentations, and technical discussions to understand customer requirements and propose tailored solutions.
Pipeline Development & Management:
  • Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline using CRM tools, consistently updating opportunities, forecasts, and activity tracking.
  • Deliver accurate and timely reporting on territory performance and market insights.
Proposal Development:
  • Collaborate with internal sales support, engineering, and marketing teams to prepare and present compelling proposals and bids.
  • Provide detailed product specifications and ensure alignment with customer needs.
Market Intelligence:
  • Monitor competitive activity, pricing trends, and market developments; provide feedback to product and marketing teams.
  • Represent Cognesense at industry events, trade shows, and technical seminars as needed.

Experience & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum 5+ years of successful B2B sales experience, preferably in industrial equipment, instrumentation, automation, or engineered products.
  • Proven track record of consistently achieving or exceeding sales targets.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
  • Strong technical aptitude with the ability to explain complex products and applications to diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Willingness to travel within the assigned region (up to 50%).
  • Experience working with or selling to sectors such as oil & gas, chemical processing, storage tank systems, water/wastewater, or similar.
  • Background in working with rep networks and distributor channels.
  • Familiarity with AS400 systems or similar ERP platforms.
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