Subcontracts & Procurement Specialist

Riverside Research is an independent National Security nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. citizenship. The Subcontracts and Procurement Specialist will support diversified R&D, IR&D, hardware manufacturing, and software development programs, managing the full lifecycle of subcontracts and procurement activities across prototype builds, engineering services, specialized materials, and complex technical solutions. The role is based in Fairfax, VA and collaborates closely with engineering, program management, finance, and supply chain teams across geographically distributed projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead cradle‑to‑grave subcontract and procurement actions in compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and company policies.
• Prepare and issue RFPs/RFQs, 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 RFPs/RFQs, contributing to subcontracting plans, and supporting pricing or cost volumes.
• Ensure audit‑ready records and documentation in support of CPSR requirements and subcontract/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.

Qualifications

• 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 Fixed‑Price, Time‑and‑Material, and Cost‑plus agreements.
• Strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and subcontract management in Federal defense contracting.
• Prior experience in a CPSR‑compliant procurement environment with clear understanding of CPSR documentation requirements.
• Effective communication and interaction with multi‑functional and diverse teams; ability to present information and respond to questions from management, employees, and subcontractors/vendors.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to evaluate, select, and manage diverse suppliers.
• Highly organized with proven ability to work independently in a dynamic, fast‑changing environment.
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• 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 of ERP systems, preferably Deltek Costpoint Version 8.0 or higher.
• Proficiency with MS 365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Experience supporting prototype or low‑rate manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with export‑controlled procurements (ITAR/EAR).

Pay

Global compensation range: $83,000 – $118,000, representing typical compensation based on experience, location, and other factors.