Principal Subcontracts Specialist

Lead Subcontracts Specialist – Aerospace & Defense

Position Overview

We are seeking an experiencedLead Subcontracts Specialist to manage the end-to-end lifecycle of FAR Part 15 proposals and subcontracts supporting critical government and defense programs.

This position will support the Mechanical Assembly Government Sourcing team, leading subcontracting activities from initial proposal development and sales order fulfillment through supplier negotiations, subcontract awards, and long-term purchase order execution.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience withFAR Part 15, FAR/DFARS compliance, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD), and complex supplier negotiations within the aerospace, defense, or government contracting industries.

In addition to managing key suppliers and commodity strategies, this individual will serve as a team leader, providing mentorship and training to other subcontracting professionals.

Position Details

• Job Title: Lead Subcontracts Specialist

• Industry: Aerospace & Defense / Government Contracting

• Work Arrangement: On-site for the first 90 days, with a hybrid option available thereafter

• Compensation: Hourly rate based on experience

• Citizenship Requirement: U.S. citizenship required

• Experience: 5–7+ years of relevant experience

Key Responsibilities

Subcontract Management & FAR Part 15 Compliance

• Lead the complete lifecycle of FAR Part 15 subcontracting activities, from proposal development through negotiation, award, and execution.

• Prepare, review, and deliver compliant FAR Part 15 subcontract packages in accordance with government contracting requirements.

• Ensure subcontracting activities comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable regulations.

• Partner closely with Pricing, Engineering, Program Management, and other stakeholders to develop accurate and compliant proposals.

• Support cost and price analysis, supplier fact-finding, negotiations, and subcontract award documentation.

• Ensure compliance with Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD) requirements, when applicable.

• Negotiate and execute subcontracts and long-term purchase orders.

• Maintain accurate subcontract records and documentation to support compliance and audit readiness.

Supplier Management & Negotiations

• Develop and execute supplier and commodity sourcing strategies to achieve best overall value.

• Manage relationships with key program suppliers and subcontractors.

• Develop negotiation strategies supported by cost analysis, pricing models, market conditions, and historical data.

• Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions, delivery schedules, and contractual requirements.

• Manage subcontract arrangements involving multiple contract types, including:

  • Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

  • Cost-Plus (CP)

  • Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF)

• Identify and mitigate supplier, pricing, contractual, and program execution risks.

• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve supplier issues and maintain program schedules.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead assigned commodity sourcing and subcontracting activities.

• Mentor, coach, and train team members on subcontract management processes and government contracting requirements.

• Provide guidance on FAR/DFARS compliance, proposal preparation, cost analysis, and supplier negotiations.

• Establish consistent processes, documentation standards, and best practices.

• Support team members in managing competing priorities, proposal deadlines, and subcontract deliverables.

• Promote continuous improvement in sourcing, supplier management, and subcontract execution.

Required Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Minimum of5–7 years of experience in one or more of the following:

  • Sourcing

  • Procurement

  • Supply Chain Management

  • Subcontract Management

  • Legal & Contracts

  • Business

  • Finance

• Demonstrated experience managingFAR Part 15 subcontracts.

• U.S. citizenship required due to contractual requirements.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of government subcontracting processes and FAR Part 15 requirements.

• Experience developing and executing supplier negotiation strategies.

• Ability to manage multiple proposals, subcontract awards, and competing deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal and supplier relationship management abilities.

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.

• Experience managing subcontractors throughout all phases of the program lifecycle.

• Strong working knowledge of FAR and DFARS requirements.

• Experience withTruthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD) requirements.

• Experience negotiating and managing FFP, CP, CPIF, and other government subcontract types.

• Experience developing cost models, conducting cost/price analysis, and preparing negotiation documentation.

• Aerospace, defense, or government contracting procurement experience.

• Experience negotiating complex subcontract terms and conditions.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

• Experience with SAP and other procurement or subcontract management systems.

• Strong understanding of supply chain and commodity management strategies.

• Ability to work independently while managing complex projects and supplier relationships.

Required Candidate Prescreen Questions

1. FAR Part 15 Compliance & Pricing Partnership

Walk me through a recent FAR Part 15 procurement you led, from RFP/proposal through negotiation and award. How did you ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD) while partnering with Pricing and suppliers to deliver a compliant package on schedule?

2. Negotiation Strategy & Contract Types (FFP / CP / CPIF)

Describe a complex supplier negotiation you led involving FFP, CP, or CPIF subcontracts. How did you build your negotiation position using cost models, should-cost analysis, or alternative negotiation strategies while balancing best value, compliance, and supplier relationships?

3. Leadership, Mentoring & Multi-Task Execution

This role involves leading a commodity and mentoring team members while managing multiple proposals and active subcontract awards. Can you share an example of how you trained or guided teammates through a tight-deadline proposal or audit preparation? How did you establish standards, delegate responsibilities, and ensure compliance and on-time completion?