Job Details

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.

Key Responsibilities include but not limited to:
• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
• An active TS/SCI security clearance is required.
• 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
• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)s, NASA, and/or academic institutions.

Competencies for Success

• 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.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$132,600 - $158,704