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Subcontracts Manager, Public Sector

Scale AIWashington, DCPublic Sector
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Salary
Not listed
Job type
Full-time
Posted
24 Aug 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Role Overview

Scale AI is hiring a Subcontracts Manager for Public Sector programs based in Washington, DC to oversee daily relationships and integration with external partners. This professional will coordinate subcontractor execution alongside delivery teams to ensure external partners meet technical and timeline requirements for government initiatives. It is an ideal position for candidates with defense acquisition experience who excel at holding complex external partners accountable for results.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain daily relationships with subcontractors supporting large Public Sector programs, including defense primes and specialized technical entities.
Connect prime contract milestones with clear subcontractor deliverables, timelines, dependencies, and acceptance criteria.
Integrate subcontractor workflows into the broader Integrated Master Schedule to proactively spot risks, schedule impacts, and technical dependencies.
Hold external partners accountable for defined scope, deliverable timelines, status reporting, and corrective action plans.
Set up operating cadences such as status reviews, risk management, and decision logs while resolving programmatic blockers.
Direct the onboarding of new subcontractors, ensuring they have required security clearances, system access, and program documentation.
Manage administrative workflows including invoices, billing inquiries, staffing changes, and access control.
Provide program managers with clear visibility into subcontractor performance and escalate issues prior to government delivery impacts.

Requirements

Active Top Secret security clearance.
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience spanning program management, subcontractor management, technical program management, defense acquisition, or systems integration.
Demonstrated background in managing external organizations against defined scope, schedules, and deliverables.
Practical knowledge of Integrated Master Schedules, Statements of Work, Work Breakdown Structures, and formal program reviews.
Strong technical acumen to comprehend software, systems integration, interfaces, and technical program plans.
Proven ability to operate across technical engineering dependencies and administrative duties like invoicing and onboarding.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a talent for influencing external organizations.
Willingness to work onsite in the Washington, DC area and travel to subcontractor facilities when required.

Nice to Have

Experience working with or for major defense prime contractors or managing defense prime relationships.
Background supporting large Department of Defense or Intelligence Community contracts.
Familiarity with government contracting frameworks, FAR/DFARS rules, and flow-down obligations.
Experience managing vendors delivering software, AI/ML, data pipelines, or complex systems integration.
Familiarity with generative AI, agentic workflows, APIs, and modern software architectures.
Experience supporting classified programs and coordinating security requirements across secure environments.
Knowledge of subcontractor invoicing, cost tracking, and financial reconciliation.

Skills and Tools

Program management and subcontractor administration
Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
Statements of Work (SOW) and milestone tracking
Cross-functional technical and administrative coordination
Risk management and escalation handling
Financial tracking and invoice management

Salary and Benefits

The full-time base salary range for this Washington, DC position is $157,600 to $197,000 USD. Additional compensation includes equity based on Board approval. Eligible employees receive comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement benefits, learning and development stipends, generous PTO, and potentially a commuter stipend.

About the Company

Scale AI builds reliable AI systems and full-stack technologies that help enterprises and government agencies deploy real-world applications. The company collaborates with industry leaders and public sector entities like the U.S. Army and Air Force to advance national security missions. Scale AI is an inclusive workplace committed to equal employment opportunity.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official company careers page to submit an application for this role.

Questions candidates ask

What security clearance is required for this role?

Candidates must possess an active Top Secret security clearance.

Where is this position located?

This role is based in Washington, DC, and requires willingness to work onsite to support customers and classified work.

What is the salary range for the Subcontracts Manager position?

The base salary range for this full-time position in Washington, DC is $157,600 to $197,000 USD, with additional equity and benefits eligibility.

How many years of experience are needed?

Applicants must have 5 or more years of experience in program management, subcontractor management, technical program management, defense acquisition, systems integration, or a related field.

What benefits does Scale AI provide for this role?

Eligible employees receive comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement benefits, a learning and development stipend, generous PTO, and potential commuter benefits alongside equity compensation.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Scale AI careers page.

Apply on company site