The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Supply Chain organization is seeking a procurement leader with deep government subcontracts buying experience to build, develop, and lead the Government Direct Charge Subcontracts team. This leadership role requires a proven manager who can balance strategic vision with hands-on mentorship while navigating the complexities of FAR/DFARS-based aerospace procurement. You will lead a team responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the full lifecycle of government-funded subcontracts, from supplier identification and competitive sourcing through contract award and supplier performance management, driving operational excellence while developing talent in a fast-paced R&D environment. Our Supply Chain organization oversees all aspects of procurement for the entire corporation, providing the opportunity to be part of a diverse team that purchases a wide range of capital, indirect, and government-funded products and services-including IT, specialized equipment, facilities services, as well as engineering, design, and construction.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and develop a team of procurement professionals, providing coaching, mentorship, and career development to build organizational capability

• Oversee end-to-end procurement activities including supplier identification, competitive sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, and supplier relationship management 

• Drive strategic initiatives for the Government Direct Charge Subcontracts portfolio, establishing best practices and process improvements across the team

• Build and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships with engineering, finance, and legal to align procurement strategies with business objectives

• Provide expert oversight on FAR/DFARS procurements, ensuring regulatory compliance while enabling mission success

• Lead sourcing strategies and guide the team in supplier selection, negotiation tactics, and deployment of appropriate contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, hybrids) for unique program requirements 

• Manage organizational priorities, balancing team workload, stakeholder demands, and operational excellence in a dynamic aerospace environment

• Hands-on leadership: Maintain visibility into key procurements while empowering your team to execute independently

What You Need to be Successful

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business Administration, or related field

• 6+ years of progressive procurement/buying experience in FAR/DFARS Government Subcontracts within aerospace or defense R&D environments (not contracts administration alone)

• Demonstrated experience in supplier sourcing, competitive evaluations, negotiations, and supplier management under government regulations 

• 3+ years of proven people leadership, including hiring, developing, and managing procurement professionals (not just project leadership)

• Deep understanding of government direct charge procurement processes, including FAR/DFARS compliance in fast-paced R&D settings

• Track record of building team capability, driving organizational change, and developing talent

• Strategic thinking: Ability to balance tactical execution with long-term organizational goals and process improvement

• Strong professional presence and ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

How You Can Stand Out

• Master's degree in supply chain, Business Administration, or related field

• Subject matter expertise in FAR/DFARS with ability to guide teams through complex compliance scenarios

• 8+ years of aerospace procurement experience supporting government-funded R&D programs with complex, fast-turnaround buying requirements 

• Proven negotiation skills with track record of achieving cost savings and favorable terms on government subcontracts 

• Proven success recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding procurement talent

• Experience with SAP S4/Hana/ARIBA or similar source-to-pay systems

• CPCM, CPSM, CPPM, or similar procurement-focused professional certification

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org" target="_blank">peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.