Procurement & Contracts Specialist

Riverside Research; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research Institute seeks a Subcontracts and Procurement Specialist to manage cradle-to-grave subcontracting across R&D, hardware, software, and services from Fairfax, VA. You will ensure FAR/DFARS compliance, lead RFP/RFQ processes, and collaborate with engineering and finance to meet schedule and cost goals.

The role emphasizes CPSR documentation, vendor management, and strong negotiation skills in a fast-paced defense-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of procurement/subcontract administration in DoD or defense environments.
• 3 years of hands-on Deltek Costpoint Procurement Module.
• Strong understanding of FAR/DFARS and ITAR/EAR.
• Prior CPSR-compliant procurement experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead cradle-to-grave subcontract and procurement actions in compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and company policies.
• Prepare and issue RFPs/RFQs, evaluate supplier proposals, perform cost/price analyses, and negotiate terms and conditions for Cost, T&M, and FFP.
• Manage procurement and subcontracts supporting R&D, IR&D, prototype hardware manufacturing, engineering services, software licensing, and specialized materials.
• Evaluate, onboard, and manage subcontractors/vendors according to key business criteria.
• Draft agreements, modifications, change orders and flow down requirements aligned with technical, schedule, and compliance needs.
• Support proposal development by issuing competitive subcontractor/vendor RFPs/RFQs, contributing to subcontracting plans and supporting pricing or cost volumes.
• Ensure audit-ready records and documentation in support of CPSR requirements, subcontract and procurement file compliance.
• Partner with engineering, finance, and project teams to clarify technical requirements, align material and service needs and maintain schedule integrity.
• Manage supplier performance, resolve issues, improve sourcing efficiencies, and build strong vendor relationships across small and large businesses.
• Provide exceptional support to internal stakeholders while maintaining a high standard of professional conduct with external partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/related field

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

MS365

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Job description

Procurement & Contracts Specialist Location

US-VA-Fairfax ID

2026-4371

Category: Corporate Operations

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.

All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research Institute is seeking an experienced and detail-driven Subcontracts and Procurement Specialist to support our diversified R&D, IR&D, hardware manufacturing, and software development programs. This role manages the full lifecycle of subcontracts and procurement activities across prototype builds, engineering services, specialized materials, and complex technical solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong Federal contracting expertise, handson experience in Deltek Costpoint Purchasing module, and a proven ability to operate within a CPSRcompliant purchasing environment.

You will collaborate closely with engineering, program management, finance, and supply chain teams across geographically distributed projects in a fastpaced technical environment.

The position is based in Fairfax, VA.

Responsibilities

• Lead cradle-to-grave subcontract and procurement actions in compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and company policies.
• Prepare and issue RFP's/RFQ's, evaluate supplier proposals, perform cost/price analyses, and negotiate terms and conditions for Cost, T&M, and FFP agreement types.
• Manage procurement and subcontracts supporting R&D, IR&D, prototype hardware manufacturing, engineering services, software licensing, and specialized technical materials.
• Evaluate, onboard, and manage subcontractors/vendors according to key business criteria.
• Draft agreements, modifications, change orders and flow down requirements aligned with technical, schedule, and compliance needs.
• Support proposal development by issuing competitive subcontractor/vendor RFP's/RFQ's, contributing to subcontracting plans and supporting pricing or cost volumes.
• Ensure audit-ready records and documentation in support of CPSR requirements, subcontract and procurement file compliance.
• Partner with engineering, finance, and project teams to clarify technical requirements, align material and service needs and maintain schedule integrity.
• Manage supplier performance, resolve issues, improve sourcing efficiencies, and build strong vendor relationships across small and large businesses.
• Provide exceptional support to internal stakeholders while maintaining a high standard of professional conduct with external partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field; equivalent experience considered
• 5-7 years of procurement / subcontract administration and management experience in DoD or defense related environments.
• 3 years of hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint Procurement Module.
• Available to work occasional extended hours to meet project goals.
• Demonstrated experience supporting R&D/IR&D efforts, hardware manufacturing, and software acquisition.
• Experience managing diverse subcontractors, both large and small businesses.
• Experience administering and managing multiple types of agreements, including Fixed-Price, Time and Material and Cost-plus.
• Strong understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR), ITAR and subcontract management in Federal defense contracting.
• Prior experience in a CPSR compliant procurement environment, with a clear understanding/of CPSR documentation requirements.
• Capable of communicating and interacting effectively with multi-functional and diverse backgrounds, and the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, employees and subcontractors/vendors.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to evaluate, select, and manage diverse suppliers.
• Highly organized with a proven ability to work independently in a dynamic, fast-changing environment.
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across technical and non-technical teams
• Ability to support geographically distributed project teams. Preferred Skills
• Understanding of Government Property management and tracking.
• Working knowledge with ERP systems, preferably Deltek Costpoint Version 8.0 or higher.
• Using MS365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro business software.
• Experience supporting prototype or low-rate manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with export-controlled procurements (ITAR/EAR)

Global Comp

$83,000- $100,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.

Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.