Subcontracts Manager
Aston Carter · Poway, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $195,000 / year
- Poway, CA
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Subject: Interested in the Subcontracts Manager role at Aston Carter
Hi Casey — I came across the Subcontracts Manager opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Aston Carter stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Lead subcontract management for advanced systems.
- Manage a team of 6 and execute complex contracts.
- Oversee cradle-to-grave subcontract lifecycles.
- Collaborate with engineering and defense primes.
- Requires 13+ years of experience and leadership.
About the role
Subcontracts Management Leader
Join an innovative team in a high-visibility leadership role where you will manage subcontracts for a world leader in remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, and advanced surveillance systems. This position offers significant career growth potential and the opportunity to work directly alongside senior executive leadership on complex and varied subcontracts ranging from domestic to international programs.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of 6 in subcontract execution and negotiation.
- Oversee and actively participate in the management of subcontracts from cradle to grave, including cost and price analysis, proposal management, and subcontractor negotiation.
- Coordinate closely with internal engineering and program teams as well as major defense subcontractors.
- Represent the company with major defense primes in negotiations and subcontract management.
- Manage subcontracts ranging from under $100M to well above it, ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS.
- Engage in people management duties including hiring, development, performance management, and terminations.
Essential Skills
- 13+ years of progressively complex experience in subcontracts and/or contracts.
- Hands-on people management experience.
- Expertise in FAR/DFARS and subcontract management from cradle to grave.
- Experience in cost analysis, proposal management, negotiation, IDIQ, firm fixed price, and cost plus fixed fee contracts.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with cost plus fixed fee, firm fixed price, time and material, fixed price incentive fee, IDIQ, and long-term agreements.
- Strong team-building culture with collaborative management style.
Work Environment
The role requires onsite presence in Poway, CA, five days a week on a 9/80 schedule, with occasional alternate Friday work. This position involves domestic and international travel estimated at 0–25% depending on current program activity. The work environment is highly collaborative, operating alongside senior executive leadership including Sr. Directors and VPs, with a strong emphasis on team-building and relationship-building.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.
Pay And Benefits
The pay range for this position is $195,000.00 - $195,000.00/yr. Will pay for relo candidates.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Poway, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 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® double diamond 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.
Key skills/competency
- Subcontracts Management
- FAR/DFARS Compliance
- Cost Analysis
- Proposal Management
- Negotiation
- Team Leadership
- People Management
- Defense Industry
- Program Management
- Contract Execution
Skills & topics
- Subcontracts Manager
- Contracts Manager
- FAR
- DFARS
- Defense Contracts
- Cost Analysis
- Proposal Management
- Negotiation
- Team Leadership
- People Management
- Subcontracts
- Contracts
- Management
- Leader
- Poway, CA
- Aerospace
- Defense
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 13+ years of subcontracts/contracts experience, people management, and FAR/DFARS expertise.
- Showcase negotiation skills: Detail experience with various contract types (IDIQ, FFP, CPFF) and cost analysis.
- Emphasize leadership: Provide examples of managing teams, hiring, and performance management.
- Research Aston Carter: Understand their corporate talent solutions and client industries.
- Apply strategically: Clearly articulate your fit for this high-visibility, onsite leadership role.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Subcontracts Management Leader role at Aston Carter?
- The Subcontracts Management Leader position at Aston Carter requires a full-time, onsite presence in Poway, CA, five days a week, with a 9/80 schedule. Occasional travel may also be involved.
- What are the primary responsibilities of the Subcontracts Management Leader?
- The Subcontracts Management Leader is responsible for leading and managing a team of 6 in subcontract execution and negotiation, overseeing subcontracts from inception to completion, coordinating with internal teams and external primes, and ensuring FAR/DFARS compliance.
- What experience is essential for the Subcontracts Management Leader position?
- Essential qualifications include over 13 years of progressively complex experience in subcontracts or contracts, hands-on people management experience, expertise in FAR/DFARS, and experience in cost analysis, proposal management, and negotiation.
- What is the salary range for the Subcontracts Management Leader role?
- The annual salary range for the Subcontracts Management Leader position is $195,000.00 to $195,000.00. Relocation assistance is offered for eligible candidates.
- Does Aston Carter utilize AI in their hiring process for the Subcontracts Management Leader role?
- Yes, Aston Carter may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist in parts of the hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. Final decisions are made by the hiring team.
- What type of contracts will the Subcontracts Management Leader manage?
- The Subcontracts Management Leader will manage a variety of contracts, including those ranging from under $100M to well above it, and experience with IDIQ, firm fixed price, and cost plus fixed fee contracts is essential. Additional experience with time and material, fixed price incentive fee, and long-term agreements is also beneficial.
- What is the career growth potential for this Subcontracts Management Leader role?
- This role offers significant career growth potential and the opportunity to work directly with senior executive leadership on complex domestic and international programs, providing high visibility and development opportunities.
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