Subcontracts Program Manager, International Air

Company Description

Build bold. Deliver impact. Win together.

At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we’re not just engineering technology — we’re shaping the future of defence and security. Our teams design and deliver advanced, mission-critical solutions that enhance national security, strengthen communities, and protect the people we serve.

If you’re looking for meaningful work that contributes to a safer, more secure world, you’ll find purpose here. Every day, your skills will directly impact programs that matter.

Job Description

The Air & Naval (A&N) - International Air Division delivers sophisticated, mission-critical systems for air and maritime applications. Our teams work across airborne and maritime mission systems, integrated sensors, command-and-control solutions, training and simulation environments, and data management platforms. We collaborate closely with defense partners to deliver reliable, effective, and operationally relevant capabilities.

We are seeking a Subcontracts Program Manager (SPM) to lead the development, procurement and management of complex aircraft systems with Subcontractors. Systems may consist of - anti-submarine warfare sensors, aircraft communications systems, radars, navigation systems, weapon systems and electronic countermeasures for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. The SPM will ensure subcontracted solutions meet technical, commercial, schedule, quality, airworthiness, and integration requirements while maintaining strong relationships with subcontractors. The role may also support other A&N subcontract portfolios as business needs evolve.

Reporting to a Program Manager, the SPM will be accountable throughout the pre-contract and post-contract award lifecycle and will coordinate closely with program, engineering, supply chain, commercial, quality, and configuration management teams.

Pre‑Contract Award Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and develop relationships with qualified suppliers and subcontractors whose technical capabilities, quality systems, capacity, and business practices align with program requirements.
• Support Request for Proposal (RFP) development, including technical and programmatic requirements, evaluation criteria, deliverables, milestones, and project management expectations.
• Develop subcontract Statements of Work (SOWs), data requirements, and supplier deliverables aligned with Prime Contract obligations, system requirements, and aircraft interface constraints.
• Evaluate bid responses for cost, schedule, scope alignment, technical feasibility, integration maturity, quality, airworthiness evidence, and overall risk posture.
• Support negotiations and supplier selection recommendations, balancing technical, commercial, schedule, and program risk considerations.

Post‑Contract Award Responsibilities

• Manage subcontract cost, schedule, scope, performance, quality, and risk while leading cross-functional teams to resolve complex technical and commercial issues.
• Coordinate risk and opportunity management with Program Managers and technical leads, with particular attention to aircraft interfaces, dependencies, obsolescence, and certification or airworthiness impacts.
• Monitor subcontractor design, development, qualification, verification, production, and delivery progress, and present clear status during internal and customer reviews.
• Ensure subcontract changes and amendments remain aligned with Prime Contract requirements, approved configuration baselines, interface control documentation, and program change-control processes.
• Prepare estimates for subcontract management effort and assess the cost, schedule, technical, and integration impacts of proposed changes.
• Serve as the primary interface with subcontractor Program and Project Managers, driving timely decisions, issue resolution, delivery momentum, and collaborative working relationships.
• Develop and oversee corrective action and recovery plans to achieve timely, cost-effective delivery and readiness for aircraft- and system-level integration, verification, and acceptance.
• Support the Program Manager to ensure program goals are achieved and customer-related issues are resolved.

Qualifications

• Experience managing subcontracts, contracts, suppliers, or related program activities.
• Experience managing major contracts or complex subcontract work packages, including cost, schedule, scope, performance, risk, and change control.
• Working knowledge of project planning, financial management, earned value concepts, and supplier performance reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders; influence outcomes; negotiate solutions; and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to work with engineering teams to analyze, evaluate, and constructively challenge complex technical designs, integration approaches, and proposed solutions.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, project management, or relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of project management and systems integration practices applicable to complex aircraft subsystems, including requirements management, interface control, configuration management, verification, qualification, and acceptance.
• Experience working or familiarity with AI/ML models
• Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time depending on the program phase

Preferred Experience

• Defense or aerospace experience, particularly in aircraft subsystem integration, airborne mission systems, avionics, or aircraft modification programs.
• Experience working with Subcontractors in other countries
• Experience with medium-sized or larger programs or subcontracts valued in excess of $20M.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance. Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

Additional Information

What We Offer
The hiring range for this position is $125,000-$165,000 CAD annual. This role is eligible for a Management Incentive Plan. Our goal is to provide a fair and competitive offer based on an assessment of internal equity and your qualifications, including:

• Relevant experience
• Technical and non-technical skills
• Education and certifications

Benefits

As a full-time employee at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, you’ll enjoy a competitive total rewards package that supports your professional and personal well-being:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents from day one (no cost), including flexible benefits options (HCSA) emergency travel insurance, and 24/7 virtual care services.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), onsite fitness facilities, and employee resource groups.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer contributions after 3 months, RRSP access from day one, and financial planning support.
• Flexible time off including vacation, holidays, parental leaves with top-up options, sick leave, and disability programs.
• Career development through learning platforms, educational assistance, mentoring, and reimbursement of professional memberships.
• Additional perks such as employee discounts, free onsite parking, social clubs, and an annual scholarship program for employees’ children.

Why join us?

Purposeful Innovation: You’ll work on innovations that genuinely make a difference. You’ll apply advanced thinking, design expertise, and practical problem-solving to help equip military and allied forces with leading-edge systems. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, contributing to next-generation technologies in an environment that celebrates creativity, new ideas, and modern solutions.

Connection: We believe people do their best work when they feel they belong, and their ideas can flourish. Different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us innovate and grow. Strong relationships with our teammates help us unite, overcome challenges, and deliver the world-class quality we’re known for. Here, we are committed to inclusivity and ensures every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Challenging and Rewarding Career Pathways: Your career path matters to us. From mentorship and regular check-ins with your leader to educational support, professional certifications, and continuous training, you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. We encourage internal mobility so you can explore different business areas, broaden your skillset, and expand your network. You’ll be working on high-profile, impactful projects that challenge your skills, expand your expertise, and allow you to both learn from mentors and guide others along the way.

Accommodation
If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via [email protected].

Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.