Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.
As a Subcontracts Manager, you build and manage strong supplier relationships, oversee subcontract performance, and ensure contractual obligations are met. You collaborate closely with contracts, engineering, quality, and operations teams to support program requirements and strengthen supplier alignment. Your work helps advance sourcing strategies, mitigate supply-chain risk, and deliver reliable results that support business and program objectives.
Responsibilities
- Establishes strong business relationships with key suppliers and maintains clear communication channels.
- Identifies opportunities for strategic collaboration that benefit both organizations.
- Develops a detailed understanding of supplier operations, capabilities, and strategic priorities.
- Assesses supplier capacity to support informed risk‑management decisions and consolidates the supplier base when appropriate.
- Negotiates cost and schedule commitments to meet program requirements and manages subcontract performance.
- Partners with quality engineering to incorporate necessary contractual flow‑downs.
- Prioritizes and adjusts supplier work to align with evolving organizational needs.
- Applies knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), customer‑specific clauses, and organizational terms and conditions.
- Collaborates with contracts, engineering, quality, and operations teams to support program objectives, reporting requirements, and small business plans.
- Communicates effectively across departments and personnel levels.
Required Qualifications None supported.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Five or more years of experience in subcontracts administration.
- Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Outlook and Teams.
This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
- Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
- Tuition reimbursement
Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- 5+ years of experience in subcontracts administration
- Intimate knowledge of FAR and DFARS clauses
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and MS Outlook and Teams
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Strong written and verbal communication across all departments and levels
Karman Space & Defense Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Karman Space & Defense and has not been reviewed or approved by Karman Space & Defense.
-
Retirement Support — Feedback suggests immediate 401(k) vesting and a profit-sharing plan are meaningful strengths that enhance long-term financial security. Multiple medical-plan options and disability coverage further indicate solid core protections.
-
Healthcare Strength — Feedback suggests a range of health-plan choices (PPO, HMO, HDHP) and disability coverage provide flexibility and security. These offerings are positioned as competitive within the aerospace and defense context.
-
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Feedback suggests tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate education supports professional growth and overall wellbeing. Company events and perks are occasionally noted alongside core benefits.
Karman Space & Defense Insights
What We Do
Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.
