Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist to join our Global Supply Chain team of qualified, diverse individuals in El Segundo, CA.
Location: Onsite in El Segundo, CA
Schedule: 9/80 work schedule – with every other Friday OFF!
Extras: Opportunities for occasional travel and excellent career growth potential
About the role:
Source and procure complex, specialized goods and services. Owns contractual management for the supplier. Responsible for subcontract sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, administration and closeout phases. Coordinates and collaborates with key stakeholders such as legal, contracts, finance, planning, operations, program management, engineering, and quality. As part of a cross-functional team, candidate will monitor and manage schedule, cost, technical and quality performance of suppliers in support of US Government programs. Subcontract Specialists will interface with supplier leadership teams to motivate and drive excellence in performance of contractual requirements.
Essential Functions:
Responsible for subcontract sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, administration and closeout phases
Manages supplier performance throughout the subcontracting lifecycle
Ensures compliance with all FAR, DFARS and public law requirements, as well as company policies and procedures
Identifies strategies and opportunities to reduce cost, improve efficiency and manage risk through strategic and targeted negotiations
Cultivates and maintains strong working relationships with suppliers, customers and internal stakeholders
Contributes to Program Risk and Opportunity management
Self-Starter with a bias toward action and problem solving
Strong written and verbal communicator
Utilizes process tools such as Lean Six Sigma with suppliers to drive quality, efficiency and continuous improvement
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5 years of experience, a Master’s degree with at least 3 years' experience OR 9 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience must be in Subcontracts, Contracts, Proposal Price/Cost Analysis, Procurement, Program or Project management, Advanced Planning or Strategic Sourcing
Experience with SAP/ MRP or related business application software.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the business needs
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree
Familiarity with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) and DFARS.
Working knowledge of FAR and DFARS regulations.
Supplier selection/management experience on US Government contract(s).
Subcontracting experience with aircraft production and/or sustainment programs.
Experience working within a government approved purchasing system.
Experience working in foreign subcontracts and/or ITAR/EAR experience.
Familiarity with NGAS Subcontracting terms and conditions.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years' experience, Master's degree with at least 3 years' experience, OR 9 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
- Experience in subcontracts, contracts, proposal price/cost analysis, procurement, program or project management, advanced planning, or strategic sourcing.
- Experience managing the subcontract lifecycle: sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, administration and closeout.
- Experience with SAP/ MRP or related business application software.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
- Knowledge of FAR, DFARS and public law requirements and ensuring compliance.
- Experience with supplier performance management, cost reduction, risk management, and use of process improvement tools (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).
- Master's degree.
- Supplier selection/management experience on U.S. Government contracts.
- Subcontracting experience with aircraft production and/or sustainment programs.
- Experience working within a government approved purchasing system.
- Experience working in foreign subcontracts and/or ITAR/EAR experience.
- Familiarity with NGAS Subcontracting terms and conditions.
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
-
Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.





