Contracts Manager II

citjpl; United States; On-site; USD 84,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Flexible schedule

Rideshare assistance

Childcare support

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, is seeking a contracts professional to support the NASA/Caltech Prime Contract and other key agreements. You will work with senior experts to develop expertise in compliance, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration, handling complex proposals, NDAs, MOUs, and other contracts.

You will coordinate with Legal, Finance, and Program Management, including NASA, to ensure proper contract execution and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, or related field with typically 3 years of related experience; or a master's degree in a related field with typically 1 year of related experience; or PhD in a related field.
• A proactive team player who can manage competing priorities and deliver accurate documentation under tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to explain information clearly to diverse teammates.
• Strong command of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly master JPL-specific financial and tracking software.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and managing complex proposals and task plans. Proactively monitor milestones and deadlines to ensure timely renewals and modifications.
• Coordinate with Legal, Finance, and Program Management, as well as external partners like NASA, to ensure seamless contract execution.
• Under the guidance of experienced team members, advise partners on their contractual rights and obligations. Provide clear contractual guidance to JPL personnel to ensure alignment with policies and procedures.
• Support the processing of basic agreements, such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), Interagency Personnel Agreements (IPA), and other contractual agreements.
• Maintain 'gold-standard' accessible contract records. Ensure documents are in compliance with contract specifications and JPL policies.

Job description

Location and Environment

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.

The Opportunity

As a member of the Contracts Management, Policy, and Compliance Section (2110), you will provide essential support for the NASA/Caltech Prime Contract and other key contractual agreements. You will work alongside senior experts to learn the complexities of federal contracting, helping to protect the Laboratory's interests while supporting our mission-driven environment. This is a high-growth role for someone eager to develop expertise in compliance, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and managing complex proposals and task plans. Proactively monitor milestones and deadlines to ensure timely renewals and modifications.
• Coordinate with Legal, Finance, and Program Management, as well as external partners like NASA, to ensure seamless contract execution.
• Under the guidance of experienced team members, advise partners on their contractual rights and obligations. Provide clear contractual guidance to JPL personnel to ensure alignment with policies and procedures.
• Support the processing of basic agreements, such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), Interagency Personnel Agreements (IPA), and other contractual agreements.
• Maintain "gold-standard" accessible contract records. Ensure documents are in compliance with contract specifications and JPL policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, or related field with typically 3 years of related experience; or a master's degree in a related field with typically 1 year of related experience; or PhD in a related field.
• A proactive team player who can manage competing priorities and deliver accurate documentation under tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to explain information clearly to diverse teammates.
• Strong command of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly master JPL-specific financial and tracking software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Government Contracts and/or Prime/Subcontract administration.
• Basic understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and government contracting principles.

Competencies for Success

• An "eager learner" who is proactive about seeking feedback and developing new professional skills.
• The ability to identify issues early and work with the team to find practical solutions.
• High level of integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Benefits

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

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

$83,928 - $102,232

Equal Opportunity Employer

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender ident