Contracts Manager V

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena seeks a Contracts Manager V to deliver expert contractual strategy and execution within the Contracts Management, Policy and Compliance Section. You will lead complex, high‑risk matters with executive leadership and key sponsors.

The role requires deep FAR knowledge, proven leadership, and the ability to coordinate across laboratories, Caltech/JPL leadership, and government partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years related experience or advanced degree with fewer years.
• Proven track record in managerial or project leadership roles.
• Expert knowledge with FAR and contracting principles.
• Experience negotiating complex contract terms and conditions.
• Multidisciplinary knowledge of advanced contract principles and program management.
• Executive judgment and discretion in high-stakes environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide advisory support to executive leadership; manage priorities, budgets and staffing.
• Interpret contractual matters and guide institutional rights, obligations and risk mitigation.
• Interface with NASA OJMO, NASA Centers, Caltech/JPL leadership and Sponsors.
• Lead negotiating and executing high‑level agreements (NDA, OCI, IPA, MOU) with government and sponsors.
• Ensure adherence to policies and regulations; maintain gold‑standard contract records.

Skills

Leadership

Executive judgment

Analytical skills

FAR knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 12+ years experience

Master’s degree in related discipline

PhD in related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

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.

Job Details

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.

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 V within the Contracts Management, Policy and Compliance Section (2110), you will enable mission success by delivering expert contractual strategy, stewardship, and execution. Serve as the recognized authoritative subject‑matter expert, accountable for highly complex, unique, and high‑risk contractual matters with strategic impact impacts across the Laboratory and Caltech. This role requires deft judgment, leadership, and expertise in contracting and sophisticated coordination with executive leadership with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Provide advisory support to executive leadership and represent the Laboratory externally. Lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage priorities, budgets, and staffing. Recommend and implement strategic initiatives to strengthen organizational efficiency and compliance posture.
• Be the interpretive body for contractual matters. Provide strategic guidance to Laboratory personnel and executive management on rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies. Lead Laboratory‑wide teams addressing complex issues with mission or sponsor impact. Contribute to emerging contract strategies, innovations in compliance methods, and transformative process improvements.
• Serve as the principal interface and manage critical relationships with the NASA Office of JPL Management and Oversight (NOJMO), NASA Centers, and Caltech/JPL leadership, and Sponsors to ensure alignment on institutional goals and strategies.
• Lead the negotiation and execution of high‑level 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.
• Ensure strict adherence to Caltech/JPL policies and federal regulations. Conduct rigorous reviews of documentation and maintain gold‑standard contract records.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field with a minimum of 12 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree in similar discipline with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; OR PhD in similar discipline with a minimum 8 years of related experience.
• Proven track record in a managerial or project leadership role, with the ability to lead change and innovation under pressure. Demonstrated leadership in forming and directing cross‑organizational teams addressing crucial and complex issues.
• Expert knowledge with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and other government and/or commercial contracting principles. Demonstrated expertise analyzing and negotiating complex contract terms and conditions.
• Demonstrated multidisciplinary and in‑depth knowledge of advanced contract principles, theories, and concepts. Applied industry best practices in contracts, personnel, and program/project management.
• Apply executive judgment and lead with composure in a high‑stakes environment with integrity and discretion.
• 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.
• An active TS/SCI clearance is highly desirable.

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.

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.

$162,968 - $204,568

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.