We are seeking a Subcontracts Manager to join our Supply Chain organization and lead the full lifecycle of subcontract and supplier agreements within a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment. Working in close partnership with Legal, this individual will own the development, negotiation, execution, and administration of supplier agreements while managing supplier performance and supporting internal customer requirements as the company scales from development through production.
This is a highly hands-on role responsible for end-to-end subcontract management across both direct and indirect procurement categories. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, thrives in ambiguity, and enjoys collaborating cross-functionally with Engineering, Mission Management, Manufacturing, Finance, IT, Legal, and Executive Leadership.
Responsibilities
- Lead the full subcontract lifecycle, including solicitation, competitive procurements, sole-source justifications, supplier selection and onboarding, RFP/RFQ administration, negotiation, award, contract administration, and supplier performance management.
- Develop, negotiate, and administer a variety of agreement types, including:
- Firm Fixed-Price (FFP)
- Cost Reimbursable
- Time & Materials (T&M)
- Long-Term Agreements (LTA)
- Master Services Agreements (MSA)
- Professional and Technical Services Agreements (P/TSA)
- Partner with Legal to develop and maintain company-approved agreement templates or negotiate supplier-provided agreements while ensuring compliance with prime contract requirements, company policies, intellectual property protections, export controls, and applicable regulations.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Mission Management, Contracts, Cybersecurity, and Quality teams to ensure supplier agreements appropriately address technical, financial, schedule, quality, cybersecurity, and performance requirements.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and execute statements of work (SOWs), subcontract agreements, amendments, modifications, and supplier terms and conditions.
- Monitor subcontractor performance and support the resolution of supplier issues, change requests, claims, disputes, and contract modifications.
- Identify contractual and business risks and develop mitigation strategies that protect company interests while maintaining productive supplier relationships.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of subcontract management experience within aerospace, defense, or government contracting environments.
- Experience negotiating and administering multiple agreement types, including:
- Firm Fixed-Price (FFP)
- Cost Reimbursable
- Time & Materials (T&M)
- Long-Term Agreements (LTA)
- Master Services Agreements (MSA)
- Professional and Technical Services Agreements (P/TSA)
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and statements of work and translate technical requirements into contractual language.
- Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with evolving technical requirements, aggressive schedules, and rapid product development.
- Experience reviewing and negotiating supplier terms and conditions.
- Experience supporting programs performed under U.S. Government Prime Contracts.
- Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and subcontract flow-down requirements.
- Experience preparing and negotiating statements of work, subcontract agreements, amendments, and contract modifications.
- Strong business judgment with the ability to balance risk, cost, schedule, and supplier relationships.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Experience supporting rapid development, prototype, or Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) programs.
- Experience working in startup or high-growth environments.
- Experience negotiating intellectual property, data rights, indemnification, limitation of liability, milestone-based performance, and liquidated damages.
- Knowledge of export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements, including DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST SP 800-171, SPRS, and CMMC.
- Experience managing supplier claims, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REA), and contract closeout activities.
- Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and process development/implementation.
- Juris Doctor (JD), Paralegal Certificate, or other formal legal education or training is a plus.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of subcontract management experience within aerospace, defense, or government contracting
- Experience negotiating and administering Firm Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost Reimbursable, Time & Materials (T&M), Long-Term Agreements (LTA), Master Services Agreements (MSA), Professional and Technical Services Agreements (P/TSA)
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and statements of work and translate technical requirements into contractual language
- Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with evolving technical requirements and aggressive schedules
- Experience reviewing and negotiating supplier terms and conditions
- Experience supporting programs performed under U.S. Government Prime Contracts
- Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and subcontract flow-down requirements
- Experience preparing and negotiating statements of work, subcontract agreements, amendments, and contract modifications
- Strong business judgment with the ability to balance risk, cost, schedule, and supplier relationships
- Experience supporting rapid development, prototype, or Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) programs
- Experience working in startup or high-growth environments
- Experience negotiating intellectual property, data rights, indemnification, limitation of liability, milestone-based performance, and liquidated damages
- Knowledge of export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR
- Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements, including DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST SP 800-171, SPRS, and CMMC
- Experience managing supplier claims, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REA), and contract closeout activities
- Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and process development/implementation
- Juris Doctor (JD), Paralegal Certificate, or other formal legal education or training
Hermeus Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Hermeus and has not been reviewed or approved by Hermeus.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare is described as employer-paid for employees and dependents, including dental and vision. Feedback suggests this substantially reduces healthcare burden and strengthens overall total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — The package includes unlimited PTO for exempt employees, generous accrued PTO for non‑exempt staff, and observed federal holidays. Feedback suggests this breadth aims to support work‑life balance.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Stock options are guaranteed with all full‑time offers, with potential for additional grants based on performance. Feedback suggests this provides ownership upside alongside base pay and bonuses.
Hermeus Insights
What We Do
Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries. Utilizing an integrated, hardware-rich, iterative development approach to aircraft design and build, Hermeus aims to deliver advanced air power at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s. Hermeus’ current Quarterhorse Program is actively unlocking unmanned high-speed flight. One program, four aircraft – each purpose-built to unlock a specific technical challenge, advance learnings, and incrementally de-risk critical technology in the pursuit of hypersonic aircraft. Today, Hermeus is building its second Quarterhorse vehicle, Mk 2, after having designed, built, and flight tested its predecessor, Mk 1, in 18 months. Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3+, Quarterhorse Mk 2 will be the fastest uncrewed military aircraft in service for national defense. The final iteration of Quarterhorse, Mk 4, will be capable of transitioning from turbofan to ramjet mode utilizing a Hermeus-developed turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) propulsion system to achieve sustained speeds of Mach 5+. Hermeus' approach of build-fly-build lays the groundwork for unlocking hypersonic flight at a pace and cost previously deemed impossible. America needs fast planes fast – and Hermeus is delivering them.
Why Work With Us
We prioritize hardware and people. Cutting-edge technology is only made possible by bringing together a world-class team. At Hermeus, you will be challenged – but also empowered. We encourage calculated risks taking and learning from our mistakes. Iteration is the name of the game.
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