Subcontracts Manager (Defense)

TL;DR

Subcontracts Manager (Defense): Managing the full subcontract lifecycle for advanced defense systems with an accent on FAR/DFARS compliance and CPSR-compliant purchasing systems. Focus on establishing scalable governance policies, performing cost/price analysis, and ensuring rigorous supplier qualification in a high-stakes aerospace environment.

Location: Must be based in El Segundo, California, USA (Onsite role).

Salary: $120,000–$170,000

Company

A defense technology company building advanced systems powered by Coherent Distributed Networks to empower warfighters and commercial operators.

What you will do

• Own the full subcontract lifecycle from requirements definition and SOW generation to award and closeout.
• Draft and negotiate subcontract terms, pricing, and deliverables while ensuring adherence to FAR/DFARS documentation.
• Maintain a CPSR-compliant purchasing system and prepare audit-ready subcontract files.
• Perform cost and price analysis and manage source-selection rationale.
• Coordinate supplier cybersecurity, quality, and export-control reviews in partnership with Legal.
• Develop and implement scalable subcontracts and supplier-governance policies.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required due to export-controlled information.
• Must hold or be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.
• 8+ years of experience in subcontract administration within a federal contracting environment (or 6+ years with a Master's degree).
• Hands-on experience with FAR/DFARS flowdowns and cost/price analysis.
• Familiarity with FAR Part 44 and Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSR).
• Strong understanding of supplier risk management and governance principles.

Nice to have

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or national-security environments.
• Active U.S. Department of Defense Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• NCMA certification (CFCM/CPCM) or CPSM.
• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, NIST 800-171, and CMMC requirements.
• Experience supporting AS9100 quality systems.

Culture & Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401k plan with 50% company match up to 6% of pay.
• Generous pre-IPO stock option grants.
• Unlimited PTO and 'No meeting Fridays'.
• Free daily lunch and casual dress code.
• Relocation assistance provided.