Procurement Manager – Government Subcontracts

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.

The Aerospace Supply Chain organization is seeking a procurement leader with deep government subcontract buying experience to build, develop, and lead the Government Direct Charge Subcontracts team. This leadership role requires a proven manager who can balance strategic vision with hands‑on mentorship while navigating the complexities of FAR/DFARS‑based aerospace procurement. You will lead a team responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the full lifecycle of government‑funded subcontracts, from supplier identification and competitive sourcing through contract award and supplier performance management, driving operational excellence while developing talent in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

Our Supply Chain organization oversees all aspects of procurement for the entire corporation, providing the opportunity to be part of a diverse team that purchases a wide range of capital, indirect, and government‑funded products and services—including IT, specialized equipment, facilities services, as well as engineering, design, and construction.

• Lead and develop a team of procurement professionals, providing coaching, mentorship, and career development to build organizational capability
• Oversee end‑to‑end procurement activities including supplier identification, competitive sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, and supplier relationship management
• Drive strategic initiatives for the Government Direct Charge Subcontracts portfolio, establishing best practices and process improvements across the team
• Build and maintain strong cross‑functional partnerships with engineering, finance, and legal to align procurement strategies with business objectives
• Provide expert oversight on FAR/DFARS procurements, ensuring regulatory compliance while enabling mission success
• Lead sourcing strategies and guide the team in supplier selection, negotiation tactics, and deployment of appropriate contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, hybrids) for unique program requirements
• Manage organizational priorities, balancing team workload, stakeholder demands, and operational excellence in a dynamic aerospace environment
• Hands‑on leadership:
  Maintain visibility into key procurements while empowering your team to execute independently

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business Administration, or related field
• 6+ years of progressive procurement/buying experience in FAR/DFARS Government Subcontracts within aerospace or defense R&D environments (not contracts administration alone)
• Demonstrated experience in supplier sourcing, competitive evaluations, negotiations, and supplier management under government regulations
• 3+ years of proven people leadership, including hiring, developing, and managing procurement professionals (not just project leadership)
• Deep understanding of government direct charge procurement processes, including FAR/DFARS compliance in fast‑paced R&D settings
• Track record of building team capability, driving organizational change, and developing talent
• Strategic thinking:
  Ability to balance tactical execution with long‑term organizational goals and process improvement
• Strong professional presence and ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

• Master's degree in supply chain, Business Administration, or related field
• Subject matter expertise in FAR/DFARS with ability to guide teams through complex compliance scenarios
• 8+ years of aerospace procurement experience supporting…