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Principal Subcontract Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They will be tasked with solving complex subcontract-related problems and will work independently with minimal guidance. The Principal Subcontracts Specialist may lead functional teams or projects ...

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Principal Subcontract Specialist information

What is a principal subcontract specialist?

Principal Subcontract Specialists are senior professionals responsible for managing and overseeing the subcontracting process within an organization, particularly in industries like defense, aerospace, and manufacturing. They negotiate, administer, and monitor contracts with external suppliers to ensure compliance with regulations, company policies, and project requirements. Their role often involves risk assessment, supplier relationship management, cost analysis, and supporting program objectives. Principal Subcontract Specialists work closely with legal, procurement, and project management teams to ensure successful execution and delivery of subcontracted work.

How does a principal subcontract specialist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the subcontracting process?

A Principal Subcontract Specialist works closely with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, finance, legal, and program management, to ensure subcontract requirements are clearly defined and aligned with project goals. They often lead negotiations, coordinate technical requirements, and resolve issues that arise throughout the subcontract lifecycle. Effective communication and relationship management are key, as they act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external suppliers. This collaborative approach helps ensure quality, compliance, and timely delivery of subcontracted goods or services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal subcontract specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Subcontract Specialist, you need expertise in supply chain management, contract negotiation, and procurement practices, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software (such as SAP or Oracle), government contracting regulations, and industry certifications like CPSM or PMP is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building relationships and managing complex agreements. These competencies ensure compliance, cost-effectiveness, and successful supplier partnerships in high-stakes projects.

What is the difference between Principal Subcontract Specialist vs Subcontract Specialist?

AspectPrincipal Subcontract SpecialistSubcontract Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires more experience, possibly higher-level certificationsEntry to mid-level certifications and experience
Work EnvironmentOften in larger projects or organizations, handling complex contractsInvolved in day-to-day subcontracting tasks, supporting project teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, defense, and large engineering firmsWidely used across construction, manufacturing, and government sectors
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by experienced professionals seeking senior rolesMore common for those starting or mid-career in subcontracting

The main difference between a Principal Subcontract Specialist and a Subcontract Specialist lies in experience level, scope of responsibilities, and project complexity. Principal Subcontract Specialists typically handle larger, more complex contracts and require more experience, whereas Subcontract Specialists focus on supporting subcontracting tasks within smaller or less complex projects.

More about Principal Subcontract Specialist jobs

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States with the most job openings for Principal Subcontract Specialist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Principal Subcontract Specialist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Subcontract Specialist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Principal Subcontract Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Principal/Sr Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist

Melbourne, FL • On-site


Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 365 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Subcontract Specialist / Senior Principal Subcontract Specialist to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals onsite in Melbourne, FL.

  • Location: Melbourne, FL

  • Schedule: 9/80 work schedule - with every other Friday OFF! No teleworking available

  • Team: Global Supply Chain

  • Extras: Opportunities for occasional travel and excellent career growth potential

Our Team:

This is an opportunity to join a team on the cutting edge of tomorrow's defense technologies. Work onsite in a collaborative and dynamic environment where new challenges are the norm! On-site in Melbourne you will have the opportunity to support our nation's top-priority programs, developing and building solutions for our country.

About the Role:

Sources and procures complex, specialized goods and services. Owns contractual management for the supplier. Responsible for subcontract sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, administration, and closeout phases.

Coordinates and collaborates with key stakeholders such as legal, contracts, finance, planning, operations, program management, engineering, and quality. As part of a cross-functional team, candidate will monitor and manage schedule, cost, technical and quality performance of suppliers in support of US Government programs. Subcontract Specialists will interface with supplier leadership teams to motivate and drive excellence in performance of contractual requirements.

Specialists will additionally be responsible for providing subcontracting process and compliance requirements guidance to junior Subcontract Specialists, Supplier Management Teams and Integrated Product Team Leads. Provides subject matter expertise in all aspects of supplier and subcontract management. Works under general direction toward long-range goals and objectives. Assignments are often self-initiated. Performs independently with minimal management oversight.

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for subcontract sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, administration, and closeout phases

  • Assesses supplier performance and regularly communicates feedback to Supplier Leadership

  • Manages supplier performance throughout the subcontracting lifecycle

  • Ensures compliance with all FAR, DFARS and public law requirements, as well as company policies and procedures

  • Identifies strategies and opportunities to reduce cost, improve efficiency and manage risk through strategic and targeted negotiations

  • Cultivates and maintains strong working relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders

  • Contributes to Program Risk and Opportunity management

  • Utilizes process tools such as Lean Six Sigma with suppliers to drive quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced, on-Site work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels.

This position may be filled at a level 3 or level 4.

Basic Qualifications (Principal Subcontract Specialist):

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 5 years' experience OR a Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years' experience in Subcontracts, Contracts, Procurement, Project/Program Management

  • A minimum of 9 years combined experience in one or more of the following: Subcontracts, Contracts, Procurement, Project/Program Management may be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Experience with SAP or related business application software

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance within a reasonable amount of time deemed by business needs

Basic Qualifications (Senior Principal Subcontract Specialist):

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 8 years combined experience OR a Master's degree with a minimum of 6 years of experience in Subcontracts, Contracts, Procurement, Project/Program Management

  • A minimum of 12 years combined experience in one or more of the following: Subcontracts, Contracts, Procurement, Project/Program Management may be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Experience with SAP or related business application software

  • Experience with FAR/DFAR

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance within a reasonable amount of time deemed by business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Supply Chain

  • Experience working on high dollar development Subcontracts (i.e., $100M Cost Reimbursable Preferred)

  • Negotiating skills with contracts in excess of $100 million

  • Previous Team Lead or Management experience

  • Experience conducting oral presentations to senior leadership

  • Knowledge of Earned Value Management System (EVMS)

  • Previous Control Account Manager (CAM) experience or training

  • Working Level Knowledge of Business Law

  • Risk Mitigation experience

  • Change Management experience.

  • Active DoD Secret Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $81,400.00 - $122,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939


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