Subcontracts Manager (Government Direct Charge)

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The government direct charge Subcontract Manager, you will oversee the full lifecycle of FAR/DFARS based subcontracts, driving compliance and performance, while leading a team of 6 to 8 direct reports.

As the Subcontracts Manager, you will balance strategic oversight with hands-on team leadership: setting procurement strategy, developing your people, and owning execution across the Government Direct Spend category. You bring deep knowledge of government contracting regulations and a track record of building strong procurement teams. This is a high-visibility role where your leadership and technical credibility will both be put to use daily.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead, coach, and develop the Direct Subcontracts team, setting clear expectations and investing in the professional growth of each team member
• Develop and implement strategies to manage the full lifecycle of FAR/DFARS-based procurements across a range of government contract types
• Review and validate procurement packages to ensure adherence to government regulations, including FAR/DFARS standards
• Formulate contracting strategies, deploying various contract types as needed, to support unique program requirements
• Oversee the timely execution of subcontract awards within the Government Direct Spend category
• Manage a small personal portfolio of procurements while keeping the broader team on track through active coaching and development
• Collaborate with program management, legal, finance, and engineering to balance competing priorities and drive clean subcontract execution

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Subcontracts Manager include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field is required
• A minimum of 6 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience in FAR/DFARS Government Supply Chain, Subcontracts, or Procurement is required
• A minimum of (3-5) years in a people management role with direct reports is required
• Advanced knowledge of FAR/DFARS regulations and demonstrated experience with a variety of government contract types
• Proven leadership skills with a people-first approach and a track record of mentoring and developing teams
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, vendor sourcing, and executing comprehensive procurement plans
• Ability to collaborate across organizational lines and manage competing priorities
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field is strongly preferred
• NCMA certification (CPCM or CFCM) or equivalent professional credential
• Background in the aerospace, defense, or R&D industry, particularly supporting government direct charge procurements
• Experience recruiting, interviewing, and developing procurement talent and team leaders
• Familiarity with SAP S4/Hana/ARIBA or similar source-to-pay platforms

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.