What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Subcontracts Manager position at Mercury Systems?
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 a Principal 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.
Job Responsibilities
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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 challenging aerospace and defense missions. From silicon to system scale, Mercury enables customers to accelerate innovation and turn data into decision superiority. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Mercury employs more than 2,300 people in 24 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.com
Our Culture
We are committed to making Mercury a great place to work, no matter where our employees are located. We offer a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that allows employees to learn and grow. We help and care for one another and work as one to achieve results for us and for our customers. We value communication and transparency, and strive to foster two-way dialogue at all levels of the organization. We are committed to lifelong learning, offering comprehensive skills training and tuition reimbursement. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or you are an experienced professional, it's important to us that you feel recognized and rewarded for your contributions.
To find out more about Why Mercury?, or visit the Mercury Community or find answers to general questions at Mercury FAQs
Mercury Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, creed, citizenship, disability, protected veteran or marital status.
As an equal opportunity employer, Mercury Systems is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the number below.
(978) 256-1300