Principal/Sr Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: El Segundo
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist/Senior Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position is located 100% on-site in El Segundo, California . Able to accommodate an in office schedule. 9/80 shift with every other Friday off Opportunities for occasional travel This position may be filled at a level 3 or level 4. About the Role : Sources and procures specialized goods and services. Owns contractual management for the supplier. Responsible for source selection from contract proposal to execution phases. Develops subcontract specifications, work statements, and terms and conditions for the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and/or services. Prepares bid packages, conducts bidders conferences, analyzes and evaluates proposals, negotiates subcontract provisions, selects or recommends subcontractors, writes awards, and administers resulting subcontracts. In conjunction with quality organization, evaluates and monitors supplier quality and reliability, as well as supplier ability to support required delivery schedules. Identifies strategies and opportunities to reduce cost, improve efficiency and manage risk through strategic and targeted negotiations. Manages performance of subcontracts, ensures compliance with all public law requirements as well as company (and business) policies and procedures including import/export regulations. Employs sound business practices and assesses supplier performance as part of follow-up activities. Ensures that appropriate documentation is provided to logistics/transportation & warehouse organization so that proper receipt is recorded. Manages and develops strategic/key suppliers. Reviews and approves supplier payment as needed. Utilizes process tools such as Lean Six Sigma with suppliers to drive quality, efficiency and continuous improvement. Coordinates and collaborates with key stakeholders such as legal, contracts, finance, planning, operations, program management, engineering, and quality. As part of a cross-functional team, candidate will monitor and manage schedule, cost, technical and quality performance of suppliers in support of programs. Subcontract Specialists will interface with supplier leadership teams to motivate and drive excellence in performance of contractual requirements. Principal/Senior Principal Specialists will additionally be responsible for providing subcontracting process and compliance requirements guidance to junior Subcontract Specialists, Supplier Management Teams and Integrated Product Team Leads. Provides subject matter expertise in all aspects of supplier and subcontract management. Works under general direction toward long-range goals and objectives. Assignments are often self-initiated. Performs independently with minimal management oversight. Essential Functions: Responsible for subcontract sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, administration, and closeout phases Assesses supplier performance and regularly communicates feedback to Supplier Leadership Manages supplier performance throughout the subcontracting lifecycle Ensures compliance with all FAR, DFARS and public law requirements, as well as company policies and procedures Identifies strategies and opportunities to reduce cost, improve efficiency and manage risk through strategic and targeted negotiations Cultivates and maintains strong working relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders Contributes to Program Risk and Opportunity management Utilizes process tools such as Lean Six Sigma with suppliers to drive quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement. The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced, On-Site work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels. Basic Qualifications (Principal Subcontract Specialist): Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience OR a master's degree with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in Subcontracts, Procurement, Contracts, Finance, or Program/Project Management A minimum of 9 years combined experience in Subcontracts, Procurement, Contracts, Finance or Program/Project Management experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience with SAP/MRP or related business application software Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance and Program Special Access within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the Company to meet its business needs Basic Qualifications (Senior Principal Subcontract Specialist): Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 8 years combined experience OR a master's degree with a minimum of 6 years of experience in Subcontracts, Procurement, Contracts, or Finance A minimum of 12 years combined experience in Subcontracts, Procurement, Contracts, or Finance may be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience with SAP/MRP or related business application software Knowledge of FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) and DFARS Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance and Program Special Access within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the Company to meet its business needs Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Supply Chain Experience working on high dollar development Subcontracts Negotiating skills with high dollar contracts Experience conducting oral presentations to senior leadership Risk Mitigation experience Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Perris , Principal/Sr Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist, Engineering , El Segundo, California