Contracts Manager IV, TS/SCI

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare support

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena seeks a Contracts Manager IV to serve as the primary authority on the NASA/Caltech Prime Contract and related agreements. You will navigate complex contracting landscapes, providing interpretation, strategic oversight, and compliance in a mission-driven environment.

This role requires leading cross-functional teams, negotiating high-stakes terms, and ensuring rigorous documentation and governance across NOJMO, Caltech, and sponsors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business/finance or related field with 9+ years experience, or higher degrees with fewer years.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Extensive experience negotiating complex contract terms and conditions.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional team leadership.
• Deep knowledge of FAR and government contracting principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Be the primary interpretive body for contractual matters. Provide guidance on rights, obligations, and risk.
• Lead negotiation and execution of complex agreements (NDA, OCI, IPA, MOU) with government, sponsors.
• Interface with NOJMO, NASA Centers, Caltech, Lab leadership, and sponsors for alignment.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams; manage priorities, budgets, and resources.
• Ensure adherence to Caltech/JPL policies and federal regulations; maintain contract records.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Compliance

Financial analysis

TS/SCI clearance

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field

Master’s degree in similar discipline

PhD in similar discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Mission

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers- literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission- your opportunity is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Location

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.

About the Division

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.

Role Overview

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

• 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.

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.

Salary

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $132,600 - $158,704

Equal Opportunity Employment

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 identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.