Subcontracts Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Subcontract Administrator Job Description

This Senior-level Subcontract Administrator role focuses on the procurement and management of complex, mission-critical hardware and services in support of energy, maritime, and other advanced technology programs. You will lead the full subcontract lifecycle—from requirements definition and solicitation through negotiation, award, and ongoing supplier management—while ensuring strict compliance with FAR/DFARS and internal policies. The position requires a seasoned professional who combines strong analytical capability, regulatory expertise, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and provide subcontract leadership across high-visibility programs.

• Lead the procurement of major, complex, mission-critical hardware and services to support assigned programs and related proposal activities.
• Review statements of work (SOWs) and prepare requests for proposal (RFPs) and requests for quotation (RFQs) that accurately capture technical and program requirements.
• Conduct source selection determinations, including preparation of noncompetitive justifications where appropriate.
• Review and analyze supplier bids and proposals, performing detailed cost and/or price analysis to support negotiation strategies and award decisions.
• Lead cost and pricing reviews with program management and customers, clearly presenting analysis, assumptions, and recommendations.
• Conduct subcontract negotiations with suppliers, including complex and high-value agreements, to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Review, interpret, and recommend subcontract terms and conditions, and lead negotiations for modifications to standard and non-standard subcontract provisions.
• Advise management on contractual rights, obligations, and risks, providing clear guidance throughout the subcontract lifecycle.
• Identify subcontract risks and issues and provide leadership in developing innovative solutions to complex subcontracting requirements.
• Serve as the primary subcontract business point of contact on assigned subcontracts for internal and external customers, including making formal presentations as required.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable government regulations (including FAR/DFARS) throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Maintain awareness of regulatory changes and assess their impact on subcontracting practices and obligations.
• Support proposal activities by contributing subcontract strategies, cost inputs, and risk assessments for new and ongoing programs.
• Manage supplier relationships, including performance oversight, issue resolution, and alignment with program objectives across multiple concurrent programs.
• Collaborate closely with program management, engineering, legal, finance, and other stakeholders to ensure subcontract strategies support overall program goals.
• Maintain accurate procurement and subcontract records within SAP or other ERP systems to support reporting and audit requirements.
• Represent the organization professionally in all interactions with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders, demonstrating strong communication and leadership skills.
• Observe all applicable laws, regulations, and obligations whenever conducting business on behalf of the company.
• Work in a safe manner at all times, following established operating procedures and practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required to support program and organizational objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in supply chain management, contract administration, or a related discipline, typically combined with fifteen or more years of progressive professional experience in purchasing, subcontracts, or contract administration; equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Comprehensive and thorough understanding of acquisition principles, theories, concepts, and regulations, with broad practical application of these practices, techniques, and standards.
• Demonstrated fluency in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), including experience applying FAR/DFARS clauses to subcontract agreements across Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DoE) programs.
• Proven experience leading the full subcontract lifecycle for complex, high-value procurements in an aerospace, defense, or similar highly regulated environment.
• Strong background in hardware procurement, including components, assemblies, and subassemblies, with experience reviewing bills of materials (BOMs) and technical specifications.
• Ability to translate technical requirements and statements of work (SOWs) into clear and complete procurement and subcontract documents.
• Significant experience conducting detailed cost and price analysis to support subcontract negotiations and award decisions.
• Advanced negotiation skills for terms and conditions, including non-standard and noncompetitive procurements.
• Ability to identify compliance risks and advise management on regulatory obligations throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Demonstrated capability to develop innovative solutions to unusually complex subcontracting and contractual problems.
• Strong customer focus and the ability to counsel management, provide leadership in developing and communicating new concepts, and apply them effectively in an evolving environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to document and report findings clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and guide employees, managers, customers, and external parties.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with standard business software and experience navigating ERP systems; working knowledge of SAP is highly desirable.
• Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate multiple work phases and determine the appropriate approach at the task or project level.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to represent the organization as a prime contact on subcontract matters with program management, vendors, and customers.
• Capability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professional employees on projects.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Eligibility to work on U.S.-based defense and energy programs in a regulated environment.

• Eight or more years of Senior-level subcontract administration experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, energy, or other high-technology industries.
• Professional certification in subcontract administration or a related field is desired.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DoE) programs, including familiarity with their specific regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Proven experience managing both established and newly developed supplier relationships, including performance management and issue resolution.
• Ability to serve as the primary subcontract business point of contact for internal and external stakeholders across multiple concurrent programs.
• Strong stakeholder communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with program managers, leadership, legal, finance, and technical teams.
• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to maintain composure under pressure, manage aggressive timelines, and respond effectively to demanding internal customers.
• Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems for subcontract and procurement data management, recordkeeping, and reporting in a government contracting environment.
• Interest in working on high-visibility programs spanning maritime, space, and energy divisions, with a focus on advanced and mission-critical technologies.
• Openness to relocation, with support available for interview travel for non-local candidates.

This is a direct-hire, permanent position within a hybrid/onsite work model. The typical schedule follows a 9/80 format, providing every other Friday off to support work-life balance. The role requires being onsite in the greater San Diego area several days per week, with a standard expectation of four days onsite and one day working from home. There are two primary San Diego locations, and assignment will be based on the best fit for the selected candidate and the team’s needs. The environment centers on high-technology defense and advanced energy programs, involving mission-critical subcontracts for maritime, space, and energy-related initiatives. Work is highly collaborative, involving close interaction with program management, engineering, legal, finance, and supplier partners, while also requiring the ability to operate independently and take ownership of complex subcontract portfolios. The organization emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and professional growth, offering the opportunity to work with advanced systems, structured processes, and modern ERP tools such as SAP. U.S. citizenship is required for this role, although no security clearance is needed. Relocation candidates are welcome, and the company provides support for travel to in-person interviews.

This is a Permanent position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $116480.00 - $208505.00/yr.

San Diego State California Workstyle Hybrid Travel Percentage Required 0% - 25% Clearance Required? No Entry Min 116,480 Target Max 208,505

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.