Senior Manager, Subcontracts

SES Space & Defense; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

SES Space & Defense in Reston, VA, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Subcontracts Manager to lead the subcontracting function for complex, high‑value programs in our satellite and ground services portfolio. The role requires deep FAR/DFARS/ITAR knowledge, a Secret clearance, and a proven track record in contract negotiations and supplier management.

You will mentor junior staff, develop sourcing strategies, and ensure compliant, timely subcontract execution across the program lifecycle,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in subcontracts or procurement within defense, aerospace, or satellite sectors.
• Extensive experience with cost-reimbursable, T&M, and fixed-price subcontracts.
• Mastery of FAR, DFARS, ITAR and related compliance environments.
• Proven ability to negotiate high-value contracts and manage strategic suppliers.
• Experience supporting classified or secure programs; active Secret clearance required.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of subcontract management, including acquisition strategies, RFP creation, source selection, negotiation, award, administration, performance management, and closeout.
• Develop and manage complex subcontracts supporting satellite systems, earth stations, mission operations centers, ground networks, and related services.
• Apply expert knowledge of FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and company policies to ensure full compliance in all subcontract activities.
• Partner with Program Management, Contracts, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to align subcontract strategies with program requirements.
• Evaluate supplier proposals—cost/price analysis, risk identification, and capability assessment for informed negotiations and awards.
• Negotiate terms and conditions that mitigate risk, ensure schedule accountability, and strengthen delivery for mission-critical systems.
• Provide oversight of subcontractor performance and develop corrective action plans as needed.
• Maintain robust documentation and audit-ready files; deliver subcontract status reports to leadership and customers.
• Lead or support strategic sourcing initiatives and long-term agreements with key partners in space and defense.
• Mentor junior subcontract managers and drive process improvements across procurement and supply chain.

Skills

Subcontract management

Contract negotiation

Compliance expertise

FAR/DFARS/ITAR knowledge

Supplier relationship management

Analytical skills

Leadership & mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

EVMS

Job description

Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, we deliver secure, resilient connectivity and integrated space solutions for customers operating in the world’s most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled communications, we combine capabilities across all orbits with extensive global ground infrastructure, managed networks, hosted payload solutions, and mission integration services to support communications, sensing, data transport, and operational resilience worldwide.

Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, we deliver secure, resilient connectivity and integrated space solutions for customers operating in the world’s most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled communications, we combine capabilities across all orbits with extensive global ground infrastructure, managed networks, hosted payload solutions, and mission integration services to support communications, sensing, data transport, and operational resilience worldwide.

Our vertically integrated space and ground capabilities bring together satellite capacity, terrestrial infrastructure, advanced network technologies, and deployed user terminals to support mission-critical government operations around the world. We are a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, NASA, and other civilian agencies, delivering reliable, high-performance solutions when mission success is critical.

At SES Space & Defense, our people are our competitive advantage. You’ll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, innovation, accountability, and delivering real-world impact for customers whose missions matter most.

What You’ll Do

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Subcontracts Manager to lead the subcontracting function for complex, high‑value programs within our satellite and ground services portfolio. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in federal contracting, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage strategic supplier relationships in support of U.S. Government customers. This role is critical in ensuring compliant, timely, and cost‑effective subcontract execution throughout the program lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of subcontract management, including development of acquisition strategies, RFP creation, source selection, negotiation, award, administration, performance management, and closeout.
• Develop and manage complex subcontracts supporting satellite systems, earth stations, mission operations centers, ground networks, and related services.
• Apply expert knowledge of FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and company policies to ensure full compliance in all subcontract activities.
• Partner closely with Program Management, Contracts, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to align subcontract strategies with program technical and schedule requirements.
• Evaluate supplier proposals—cost/price analysis, risk identification, and capability assessment to support fact‑based negotiations and award recommendations.
• Negotiate terms and conditions that mitigate risk, ensure schedule accountability, and strengthen delivery performance for mission‑critical systems.
• Provide oversight of subcontractor performance and develop corrective action plans as needed to maintain cost, schedule, and technical compliance.
• Maintain robust documentation and audit-ready files; prepare and deliver subcontract status reports to internal leadership and customer stakeholders.
• Lead or support strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier assessments, and long‑term agreements with key industry partners in the space and defense ecosystem.
• Mentor junior subcontract managers and contribute to process improvements across the procurement and supply chain organization.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in subcontracts or procurement within the defense, aerospace, or satellite communications sectors.
• Extensive experience managing complex cost‑reimbursable, T&M, and fixed‑price subcontracts.
• Demonstrated mastery of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and associated compliance environments.
• Proven ability to negotiate high‑value contracts and manage strategic suppliers.
• Experience supporting classified or secure programs; active Secret clearance required.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship‑building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph.
• Experience with subcontracting for satellite payloads, ground terminals, network operations infrastructure, or resilient communications systems.
• NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with EVMS and major U.S. defense primes or agencies (USSF, USAF, MDA, DISA, etc.).

Why Join Us

This role provides the opportunity to directly support national security missions through world‑class satellite and ground systems. You’ll work with innovative technologies, influential industry partners, and programs that make a difference for U.S. Government customers and global operations.

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $128,415 to $176,610. The final base salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the position’s location, the candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Where applicable, this position may also be eligible for an annual bonus. Employees are eligible to participate in SES Space & Defense’s benefits programs, which include paid vacation, sick and personal leave; medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k)-retirement plan; and others.