Job Title: Subcontracts Administrator III
Job Description
The Subcontracts Administrator III supports the full subcontract lifecycle for complex aerospace and defense programs, managing procurement activities from initial supplier identification through award, performance management, and closeout. This role focuses on supplier qualification, compliance reviews, RFP creation, proposal evaluations, negotiations, subcontract awards, supplier management, contract modifications, procurement compliance, and subcontract closeout activities. The position offers significant exposure to mission-critical programs, multiple contract types, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, finance, operations, and program management teams, providing strong professional development and long-term career growth opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Manage cradle-to-grave subcontract and procurement activities, including supplier identification, solicitation, award, performance oversight, and closeout.
- Develop and issue Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for software, payloads, components, equipment, and services, ensuring clarity of requirements and compliance with internal and external standards.
- Evaluate supplier proposals for technical, commercial, and compliance adequacy, and document analysis and recommendations.
- Conduct price analysis to determine fair and reasonable pricing using competitive analysis, historical pricing, benchmarking, and supplier evaluation.
- Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, long-term agreements, statements of work, and commercial terms to achieve best value and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Perform supplier qualification activities and support supplier audits to ensure capability, quality, and compliance with applicable requirements.
- Administer subcontracts and related documentation, including contract modifications, change orders, and extensions, while maintaining accurate records.
- Ensure procurement and subcontract activities comply with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures, including general FAR/DFARS and government contracting requirements.
- Partner with suppliers throughout the procurement lifecycle to monitor performance, resolve issues, and ensure delivery, quality, and compliance objectives are met.
- Collaborate closely with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), including engineering, finance, operations, and program management, to align subcontract strategies with program needs.
- Support procurement activities for a variety of contract types, including CPFF, FFP, and T&M contracts, and coordinate with oversight organizations such as DCMA when applicable.
- Use tools such as SAP, SharePoint, and pivot tables to manage data, track subcontract status, and support reporting and analysis.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of subcontracting processes, documentation, and negotiation strategies while expanding expertise in government contracting and defense industry practices.
- Maintain organized files, records, and communications to support audit readiness and transparent subcontract administration.
- Demonstrate a commitment to long-term career growth by building knowledge in contract strategy, price analysis, and procurement compliance.
Essential Skills
- Experience managing cradle-to-grave procurements and subcontracts from supplier identification through award, performance management, and closeout.
- Proven ability to perform price analysis and determine fair and reasonable pricing using competitive analysis, historical pricing, benchmarking, and supplier evaluation.
- Demonstrated negotiation experience in pricing, delivery terms, long-term agreements, statements of work, and commercial terms.
- Strong supplier management skills, including partnering with suppliers throughout the procurement lifecycle and ensuring performance, compliance, and delivery requirements are met.
- General understanding of FAR/DFARS and federal procurement regulations, as well as government contracting requirements appropriate to the role.
- Experience evaluating supplier proposals for technical and commercial adequacy and compliance.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including engineering, finance, operations, and program management teams.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to support negotiations, documentation, and cross-functional coordination.
- Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple subcontracts and tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Stable employment history and demonstrated desire for long-term career growth in subcontract administration or procurement.
- US Citizenship.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent experience in subcontract administration, procurement, sourcing, or purchasing accepted in lieu of a degree.
- Familiarity with SAP for procurement and subcontract administration activities.
- Experience using SharePoint for document management and collaboration.
- Ability to create and analyze pivot tables to support data-driven decision-making.
- Exposure to government contracts and the defense industry, including understanding of CPFF, FFP, and T&M contract types.
- Experience interacting with oversight bodies such as DCMA and supporting supplier audits.
- Experience in procurement compliance and contract administration in a regulated environment.
- Interest in expanding expertise across subcontract management, supplier negotiations, FAR/DFARS compliance, contract strategy, and price analysis.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role based in a San Diego location within an Integrated Product Team environment. The work setting is highly collaborative, fast-paced, and dynamic, with direct interaction and daily coordination with engineering, finance, program management, and operations teams. Team members work on complex aerospace and defense programs, contributing to mission-critical projects and gaining exposure to a variety of contract types, technologies, and supplier relationships. The environment supports professional development and long-term career growth within an active defense-focused organization.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of San Diego, CA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $110420.00 - $110420.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage 401(k) retirement savings plan Paid Time Off and company holidays Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities Employee assistance and wellness programs Career advancement opportunities within a growing aerospace and defense organization Internal training and development resources
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 2026.
About Aston Carter
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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.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.
Posting ID: JP-006282326