Manager, Subcontracts

About the role

The future of aerospace and defense starts here.

Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.

As the Manager, Subcontracts reporting to the Director of Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, you will serve as a strategic partner to Engineering, Compliance, Program Management, Finance, and Legal, ensuring subcontracts are effectively structured, negotiated, executed, and managed to support program objectives while minimizing contractual, financial, and operational risk. You will do this in compliance with Procurement and Ursa Major standards, strategies, and initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), FAR Supplement, and commercial terms and conditions. This role requires independent navigation of complex subcontracting activities, exercising sound business judgement, identifying potential risks, and developing solutions in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Independently manage the entire subcontracting lifecycle, including proposal evaluation, negotiations, award, administration, modifications, and closeout.
• Lead the preparation, issuance, and evaluation of Requests for Information (RFIs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Develop and negotiate subcontract agreements, including fixed-price, time-and-materials, and cost-reimbursement arrangements, as applicable.
• Establish and maintain subcontract documentation, ensuring contractual requirements, approvals, and records are accurate and compliant.
• Proactively manage subcontract performance, including deliverables, milestones, schedules, funding, changes, and contractual obligations.
• Identify and resolve subcontract-related issues, disputes, and performance concerns with minimal supervision.
• Develop negotiation strategies that balance business objectives, supplier relationships, regulatory compliance, and risk exposure.
• Interpret and apply applicable FAR, FAR supplement, and other commercial terms requirements to subcontracting activities.
• Review and negotiate supplier exceptions or proposed modifications to contractual flowdowns.
• Support internal and external audits, government reviews, and purchasing system compliance initiatives.
• Ensure SOWs contain technical requirements, scope, deliverables, milestones, acceptance criteria, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned subcontractual matters, providing guidance and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Develop and implement scalable subcontract management practices that support the organization's continued growth.
• Grow and manage the subcontracts team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Contracts Management, Finance, a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in subcontract administration, contract management, or government procurement, preferably within aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex subcontracts from solicitation through closeout.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR, FAR supplements, and subcontract flowdown applicability.
• Proven ability to review complex contractual terms and conditions and assist internal requestors with Statements of Work.
• Strong understanding of contract types, pricing structures, and associated risk considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to identify contractual risks and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, make informed decisions, and execute independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to understand both contractual requirements and broader business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
• Experience with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements, and contractor purchasing system compliance.
• Familiarity with Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), ITAR, export controls, and applicable government subcontracting requirements.
• Experience negotiating intellectual property rights, technical data rights, and complex aerospace or defense supplier agreements.
• Experience supporting development, prototype, new product introduction (NPI), and production environments.
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and contract management tools.
• Experience developing subcontract templates, procedures, negotiation playbooks, or compliance frameworks.
• Professional certifications such as CPCM, CFCM, or NCMA-related credentials.
• Experience with FARSITE and/or Ironclad

Pay and benefits

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $152,080 - $190,100, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.

Classification: Full-time Exempt

Benefits

(Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits):

• Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
• Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
• Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
• Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
• EAP Program
• Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match

How To Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.

Note

• Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
• Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• No outside recruiters, please.