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Subcontract Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The SPM will work closely with the Program Management team representing Supply Chain, and serve as the primary interface between the program and the Subcontractors. It involves working with cross ...

As the Program's Material and Subcontracts Cost Account Manager (CAM), be accountable for the material and subcontract program budgets, and drive actions to improve financial performance * Analyze ...

Program Manager Location: San Diego, CA Salary $175K-195K Clearance: Active Secret required; Top ... Manage subcontractors, original equipment manufacturers, and industry partners. * Coordinate ...

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

This position requires a proven leader who manages program execution, maintains customer relationships, coordinates subcontractors and technology partners, mitigates risk, and ensures successful ...

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $195K/yr

The Program Manager serves as the primary customer interface and provides leadership across ... Manage subcontractors, original equipment manufacturers, and industry partners. Coordinate staffing ...

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $195K/yr

The Program Manager serves as the primary customer interface and provides leadership across ... Manage subcontractors, original equipment manufacturers, and industry partners. Coordinate staffing ...

The Program Manager owns the customer relationship, organizes internal engineering, manages ... Maintain project schedules, risk analysis, procurement plans, subcontract management plans, project ...

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $195K/yr

This position requires a proven leader who manages program execution, maintains customer relationships, coordinates subcontractors and technology partners, mitigates risk, and ensures successful ...

AFO is a subcontractor to Stanford University. The Program Manager (PM) will be responsible for providing Integrated Service Provider (ISP). The PMs responsibilities will include ensuring the ...

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

This position requires a proven leader who manages program execution, maintains customer relationships, coordinates subcontractors and technology partners, mitigates risk, and ensures successful ...

Program Manager

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$78K - $90K/yr

This program provides energy efficiency measures to help renters and property owners lower their ... Ability to work collaboratively with subcontractors, property management companies, asset managers ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Sep 8, 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 is a subcontract program manager?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a subcontract program manager?

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 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:

Infographic showing various Subcontract Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,937 per year, or $50 per hour.

Subcontract Program Mgr II

San Diego, CA • On-site

BAE Systems
National Security and International Affairs • 10K+ employees

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and manage the subcontract strategy, ensuring technical and contractual requirements are flow-down to suppliers.

  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to support subcontractor success and monitor their technical, financial, schedule, and quality performance.

  • Serve as the primary interface between the program and subcontractors, representing supply chain interests.


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description


This position provides a unique opportunity to apply technical and program leadership skills beyond traditional engineering environment, gaining hands-on experience in program execution, supplier management, business and financial decision-making, contracts, risk managment, and cross-functional leadership. It offers exposure across the full program lifecycle and provides an opportunity to strengthen business acumen, expand organizational influence, and develop the broader leadership capabilities needed for future roles.The SPM will work closely with the Program Management team representing Supply Chain, and serve as the primary interface between the program and the Subcontractors. It involves working with cross-functional teams to develop the subcontract strategy, ensuring appropriate flow-down of project's technical and contractual requirements to suppliers accountable for the technical, financial, schedule, and quality performance of the subcontractor as well as the proactive coordination of internal team support necessary for subcontractor success.
This position is contingent upon program award.
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Required Skills and Education
  • Typically a Bachelor's Degree and 10 years work experience or equivalent experience
  • 8 years of experience in supply chain, contracts, or program management with 3-5 years of engineering experience in software develolpment, hardware Engineering, DevOps, or related field.
  • Active TS/SCI Clearance with the ablility to obtain a TS/SCI w Poly

Preferred Skills and Education
  • PMP Certified
  • 8+ years of Engineering development
  • 5+ years of Supplier Interface and Negotiations

What BAE Systems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About BAE Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US