Contracts Manager IV

JPL/NASA•Pasadena, CA

8d•$132,600 - $158,704•Onsite

About The Position

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence. Be a partner in making history. At JPL’s Accounting & Contracts Division (ACD), we don’t just manage numbers; we fuel the future of space exploration. We are looking for enthusiastic, visionary leaders to join our team of experts in Enterprise Accounting, Travel and Invoice Management, and Contracts. If you thrive on solving complex business challenges with innovative solutions, it’s time to launch your career with us. As a Contracts Manager IV within the Contracts Management, Policy and Compliance Section (2110), you will serve as the Laboratory’s primary authority on the NASA/Caltech Prime Contract and other contractual agreements. You will navigate complex contractual landscapes, providing the interpretive guidance and strategic oversight necessary to protect the Laboratory's interests while fostering innovation. This is a high-impact role requiring a blend of rigorous compliance expertise, sophisticated negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Requirements

Typically a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field with a minimum of 9 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree in similar discipline with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; OR PhD in similar discipline with a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
Broad multidisciplinary knowledge of industry best practices in contract, personnel, and program/project management.
Deep familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and other government and/or commercial contracting principles.
Extensive experience analyzing and negotiating complex contract terms and conditions.
Proven track record in a managerial or project leadership role, with the ability to lead change and innovation under pressure.
High degree of attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Excellence in analytical and research skills, working knowledge of financial applications, and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)s, NASA, and/or academic institutions.
An active TS/SCI clearance is highly desirable.
An "open-minded change agent" who identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels, including legal, executive teams, and faculty.
Ability to maintain sound judgment and lead with composure in a high-stakes environment.

Responsibilities

Be the primary interpretive body for contractual matters. Provide clear guidance to Laboratory personnel and executive management on rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.
Lead the negotiation and execution of complex agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), and other high-level contractual instruments with the government, civil and commercial sponsors.
Serve as the principal interface and manage critical relationships with the NASA Office of JPL Management and Oversight (NOJMO), other NASA Centers, and Caltech, and Lab leadership, and sponsors to ensure institutional alignment on goals and objectives.
Lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage priorities, budgets, and resources. Recommend and implement strategic changes that improve organizational efficiency and compliance posture.
Ensure adherence to Caltech/JPL policies and federal regulations. Conduct rigorous reviews of documentation and maintain gold-standard contract records.