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Subcontract Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Subcontract Task Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$97.01K - $164.91K/yr

Develops sourcing and subcontract program management strategic plans that address overall program capture needs and execution. * Participates in the support of new business and in the development of ...

AMS Group, Inc.

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $190K/yr

The Program Manager is responsible for cost, schedule, and performance management for field service ... subcontracts in place • Creates and tracks Subcontractor Data Requirements Lists (SDRLs) • ...

AMS Group, Inc

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $190K/yr

The Program Manager is responsible for cost, schedule, and performance management for field service ... subcontracts in place · Creates and tracks Subcontractor Data Requirements Lists (SDRLs) · ...

Data Intelligence LLC

Program Manager

San Diego, CA

$130K - $145K/yr

Program Manager ID: 1571 Location: San Diego, CA More about this job > Description Data ... Coordinate with government stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal teams. * Provide leadership ...

Stratolaunch

Development Program Manager

Mojave, CA

Work with the procurement team to ensure subcontractors are delivering products on deadline and ... Regular and comprehensive communication to the Sr. Programs Manager * Travel, as needed, to support ...

Data Intelligence LLC

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Data Intelligence, LLC (DI) is seeking an experienced Program Manager to support Department of the ... Coordinate with government stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal teams. * Provide leadership ...

Stratolaunch

Development Program Manager

Mojave, CA · On-site

Work with the procurement team to ensure subcontractors are delivering products on deadline and ... Regular and comprehensive communication to the Sr. Programs Manager * Travel, as needed, to support ...

VETS

Program Manager

Ventura, CA · On-site

Program Manager Location: Ventura, California This position is contingent upon contract award. This ... Oversees vendor and subcontractors ensuring quality control and adherence to work schedules.Perform ...

General Atomics

Program Manager II

Poway, CA · On-site

$90.93K - $162.79K/yr

As a Program Manager on the MQ-9B India Program, you will play a pivotal role in the planning and ... subcontractors in the successful development of customer specific capabilities through hardware ...

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Subcontract Program Manager information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$103.9K

$146.6K

How much do subcontract program manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for subcontract program manager in California is $103,937.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Subcontract Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Subcontract Program Manager, you need expertise in supply chain management, contract negotiation, and project management, often backed by a relevant degree and industry certifications like PMP or CPSM. Familiarity with ERP systems, procurement software, and compliance tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills enable effective collaboration with vendors and internal teams. These abilities ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of subcontracted work while managing risks and maintaining project quality.

What are some common challenges faced by Subcontract Program Managers when overseeing multiple suppliers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Subcontract Program Managers often juggle the coordination of several suppliers, each with their own timelines, requirements, and risks. A common challenge is ensuring consistent communication and alignment of goals across diverse teams, which can be addressed by establishing clear reporting structures and regular status meetings. Managing contract compliance and mitigating supply chain disruptions also require proactive risk assessment and contingency planning. Building strong relationships with suppliers and maintaining detailed documentation are essential practices that help in resolving issues quickly and keeping projects on track.

What are Subcontract Program Managers?

Subcontract Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the relationships and contracts between their organization and external suppliers or subcontractors. Their role involves negotiating terms, ensuring compliance with regulations and company policies, and monitoring performance to ensure that subcontracted work meets quality and schedule requirements. They work closely with project managers, procurement teams, and legal departments to mitigate risks and deliver successful project outcomes. Their expertise is crucial in industries like aerospace, defense, and construction, where managing multiple subcontractors is often required.

What is the difference between Subcontract Program Manager vs Contract Manager?

AspectSubcontract Program ManagerContract Manager
CredentialsProject management certifications, industry-specific experienceLegal or contract management certifications, negotiation skills
Work EnvironmentOversees subcontractors, manages project scope and timelinesDrafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, ensures compliance
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, aerospace, defense, manufacturingCorporate, government agencies, legal departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding subcontract management rolesLegal and contractual responsibilities

The Subcontract Program Manager focuses on managing subcontractors within projects, ensuring scope, schedule, and quality are met. The Contract Manager primarily handles contract negotiations, compliance, and legal aspects. While both roles require strong organizational skills and industry knowledge, the Subcontract Program Manager emphasizes project execution, whereas the Contract Manager concentrates on contractual agreements and legal risk management.

What are popular job titles related to Subcontract Program Manager jobs in California? For Subcontract Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subcontract Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Subcontract Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Subcontract Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Subcontract Program Manager job openings:
Subcontract Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subcontract Program Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 13% Full Time, 85% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 33% Hybrid, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,937 per year, or $50 per hour.
Subcontract Program Manager

Subcontract Program Manager

Iris Technology Corporation

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

POSITION PROFILE

Position Title: Subcontract Program Manager

Reports To: Director of PMO

Position Overview:

The Subcontract Program Manager (SPM) is responsible for end-to-end execution and performance of subcontracted scope across programs, ensuring alignment to cost, schedule, technical, and risk objectives.

This role serves as the primary interface between Iris and its subcontractors/suppliers, owning delivery performance and ensuring subcontracted work is fully integrated into overall program execution.

The SPM may manage subcontract efforts independently or lead major subcontract workstreams within larger programs under the guidance of a Senior Program Manager. This role is critical to ensuring supplier performance, risk management, and execution discipline, particularly in early production and first article environments.


Key Cultural Competencies:

  • Bias for ownership with strong accountability for subcontract outcomes
    Ability to build and manage effective supplier and internal relationships
    Collaborative partner across engineering, supply chain, and program teams
    Highly organized with strong planning and coordination capability
    Results-driven with focus on execution and delivery
    Comfortable operating in dynamic, evolving environments
    Strong problem-solver with practical, solution-oriented mindset
    Maintains composure and professionalism under pressure
    Strong communication skills with ability to clearly convey risks and status
    Detail-oriented with disciplined follow-through
    Self-motivated with high level of initiative
    Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Key Results:

  • Subcontract deliverables meet cost, schedule, and technical commitments
  • Improved alignment between subcontract execution and program plan
  • Early identification and mitigation of supplier-driven risks
  • Reduced variance between forecasted and actual subcontract performance
  • Clear, consistent visibility into subcontract status and risk posture for leadership
  • Strong integration of subcontracted work into system-level execution

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Own execution of subcontract scope, including cost, schedule, and technical performance
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for subcontractors/suppliers
  • Ensure subcontract deliverables meet contractual and program requirements
  • Drive accountability with suppliers for performance, schedule adherence, and issue resolution
  • Align supplier delivery schedules with program IMS and key milestones
  • Ensure subcontract activities are accurately reflected in program forecasts
  • Track subcontract financial performance including actuals, ETC, and EAC
  • Identify and communicate cost risks and variances early
  • Support accurate forecasting and revenue alignment through proper subcontract phasing
  • Identify and actively manage subcontract risks
  • Partner with engineering to ensure design readiness aligns with supplier execution
  • Proactively identify execution gaps and drive corrective actions
  • Provide clear, structured reporting on subcontract status, risks and performance
  • Support internal and customer program reviews

Qualifications:

  • S. Person/Permanent Resident
  • Bachelor's degree required; technical discipline (EE, ME, SE) or related technical field preferred; Master's degree a plus
  • 5-10 years of program management, supply chain or subcontract management
  • Experience with engineering in aerospace, defense, or complex technology development environment. Experience in hardware electronics design/development/testing highly preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional teams in product development environment
  • Familiarity with development lifecycles from requirements through testing and delivery
  • Experience working government customers or large defense prime contractors
  • Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO13485, and aerospace/spaceflight compliance standards
  • Understanding of supplier risk management
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

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