Principal Subcontracts Manager

Job Summary

The Principal Subcontracts Manager is a critical leader within the Supply Chain organization responsible for managing complex subcontractor relationships and high-value procurement activities in support of government and defense programs. This role ensures that subcontract execution complies with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and program objectives while optimizing performance, cost, and risk.

As aPrincipal Subcontracts Manager, you will support the mission of our nation’s defense systems and its service members. You will be part of a company that pushes processing technology and accelerates innovation to address challenging aerospace and defense missions.

In this role, you will be part of a growing supply chain organization supporting over 17 lines of business across four business units. You will work directly with the Site Operations leadership team to deliver results driving on-time delivery of quality products and services across our manufacturing facilities.

Subcontract Management:

• Full lifecycle subcontract management for complex and high-dollar subcontracts, including solicitation, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, and closeout.
• Draft, issue, and negotiate statements of work, contract terms, pricing structures, and flow-downs in accordance with FAR/DFARS and company policy.
• Monitor subcontractor performance, including delivery schedules, milestones, technical compliance, and cost management.

Material Program Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for subcontract‑related matters across Engineering, Program Management, Finance, Contracts, and Legal.
• Collaborate with program teams to develop procurement strategies that align with customer and project requirements.
• Support program reviews, risk management, and earned value tracking for key subcontracted efforts.

Compliance and Risk Mitigation

• Ensure adherence to all applicable government acquisition regulations (FAR, DFARS), company procedures, and ethical business practices.
• Lead internal documentation efforts including price/cost analysis, source justifications, and supplier responsibility determinations.
• Conduct risk assessments and drive mitigation plans related to subcontractor performance, cost overrun, or compliance exposure.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and subcontractors to support long‑term capability and performance.
• Support supplier evaluations, performance reviews, and development initiatives in collaboration with supplier quality and procurement.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• Typically requires 8+ years of experience in subcontracts, procurement, or supply chain management in a government contracting environment.
• Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and related regulations governing U.S. Government subcontracts.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience with cost/price analysis and contract management.
• Experience managing high‑risk and high‑value subcontractors (e.g., >$5M+).
• Proficient in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Costpoint, etc.) and subcontracting tools.
• Travel as needed, approx. 10‑25%.
• This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance in the future. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.

• NCMA CPCM or equivalent contract management certification.
• Experience supporting DoD programs and working with DCMA/DCAA.
• Background in proposal development and supplier strategy planning.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross‑functional teams or mentoring junior subcontract administrators.
• An active DoD Secret Clearance

This position is hybrid and the candidate can work out of one of the following Mercury Systems Locations:

• Phoenix, AZ
• Hudson, NH
• Andover, MA
• Torrance, CA

Mercury Systems is a technology company that makes the world a safer, more secure place. We push processing power to the tactical edge, making the latest commercial technologies profoundly more accessible for today's most…