Riverside Research Institute is seeking an experienced and detail-driven Subcontracts and Procurement Specialist to support our diversified R&D, IR&D, hardware manufacturing, and software development programs. This role manages the full lifecycle of subcontracts and procurement activities across prototype builds, engineering services, specialized materials, and complex technical solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong Federal contracting expertise, hands‑on experience in Deltek Costpoint Purchasing module, and a proven ability to operate within a CPSR‑compliant purchasing environment.
You will collaborate closely with engineering, program management, finance, and supply chain teams across geographically distributed projects in a fast‑paced technical environment.
The position is based in Fairfax, VA.
Responsibilities- Lead cradle-to-grave subcontract and procurement actions in compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and company policies.
- Prepare and issue RFP’s/RFQ’s, evaluate supplier proposals, perform cost/price analyses, and negotiate terms and conditions for Cost, T&M, and FFP agreement types.
- Manage procurement and subcontracts supporting R&D, IR&D, prototype hardware manufacturing, engineering services, software licensing, and specialized technical materials.
- Evaluate, onboard, and manage subcontractors/vendors according to key business criteria.
- Draft agreements, modifications, change orders and flow down requirements aligned with technical, schedule, and compliance needs.
- Support proposal development by issuing competitive subcontractor/vendor RFP’s/RFQ’s, contributing to subcontracting plans and supporting pricing or cost volumes.
- Ensure audit-ready records and documentation in support of CPSR requirements, subcontract and procurement file compliance.
- Partner with engineering, finance, and project teams to clarify technical requirements, align material and service needs and maintain schedule integrity.
- Manage supplier performance, resolve issues, improve sourcing efficiencies, and build strong vendor relationships across small and large businesses.
- Provide exceptional support to internal stakeholders while maintaining a high standard of professional conduct with external partners.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field; equivalent experience considered
- 5-7 years of procurement / subcontract administration and management experience in DoD or defense related environments.
- 3 years of hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint Procurement Module.
- Available to work occasional extended hours to meet project goals.
- Demonstrated experience supporting R&D/IR&D efforts, hardware manufacturing, and software acquisition.
- Experience managing diverse subcontractors, both large and small businesses.
- Experience administering and managing multiple types of agreements, including Fixed-Price, Time and Material and Cost-plus.
- Strong understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR), ITAR and subcontract management in Federal defense contracting.
- Prior experience in a CPSR compliant procurement environment, with a clear understanding/of CPSR documentation requirements.
- Capable of communicating and interacting effectively with multi-functional and diverse backgrounds, and the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, employees and subcontractors/vendors.
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to evaluate, select, and manage diverse suppliers.
- Highly organized with a proven ability to work independently in a dynamic, fast-changing environment.
- Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving capability.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across technical and non-technical teams
- Ability to support geographically distributed project teams.Preferred Skills
- Understanding of Government Property management and tracking.
- Working knowledge with ERP systems, preferably Deltek Costpoint Version 8.0 or higher.
- Using MS365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro business software.
- Experience supporting prototype or low-rate manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with export-controlled procurements (ITAR/EAR)
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered
- 5-7 years of procurement, subcontract administration, and management experience in DoD or defense-related environments
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience with the Deltek Costpoint Procurement Module
- Availability to work occasional extended hours to meet project goals
- Experience supporting R&D or IR&D efforts, hardware manufacturing, and software acquisition
- Experience managing diverse subcontractors, including large and small businesses
- Experience administering Fixed-Price, Time and Materials, and Cost-Plus agreements
- Strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and subcontract management in federal defense contracting
- Experience in a CPSR-compliant procurement environment and knowledge of CPSR documentation requirements
- Effective communication and presentation skills with management, employees, subcontractors, and vendors
- Strong negotiation skills and ability to evaluate, select, and manage suppliers
- Ability to work independently in a dynamic, fast-changing environment
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across technical and non-technical teams
- Ability to support geographically distributed project teams
- Understanding of government property management and tracking
- Working knowledge of ERP systems, preferably Deltek Costpoint version 8.0 or higher
- Experience using Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Experience supporting prototype or low-rate manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with export-controlled procurements under ITAR and EAR
What We Do
Founded in 1967, Riverside Research is a not-for-profit organization chartered to advance scientific research for the benefit of the US government and in the public interest. Through our open innovation concept, we invest in multi-disciplinary research and development and encourage collaboration to accelerate innovation and advance science. Riverside Research conducts independent research in machine learning, trusted systems, optics and photonics, electromagnetics, plasma physics, radio frequency systems, and biomedical engineering. We move science from the laboratory to the field by building teams of recognized experts who deliver effective, high-value solutions and services to our customers. From public service to national security, we aspire to be a valued partner through our unwavering commitment to innovative and mission-focused solutions.








