Contracts Specialist

AUI; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) via NRAO in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a full-time Contracts Specialist to join our Contracts and Procurement team.

The position is based at NRAO offices in Albuquerque and supports a broad spectrum of domestic and international organizations. You will administer contracts from award through close-out, manage procurements, ensure compliance with federal guidelines, and coordinate approvals with NRAO senior management, AUI, and NSF.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent required.
• Three years of purchasing or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Administers contracts and subcontracts from award through close-out.
• Develops procurement plans, evaluations, and justifications.
• Maintains contract files and related documents.
• Coordinates large procurements with NRAO, AUI, and NSF approvals.
• Coordinates activities with NRAO buyers for accountability of obligations.
• Ensures compliance with federal guidelines and safety policies.

Skills

Written communications

Oral communications

Reading technical materials

Analytical and negotiation skills

Pricing concepts / cost principles

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

5651 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 21, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 5:59 AM

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

NRAO is seeking to recruit a full-time Contracts Specialist to join our Contracts and Procurement team with a position in Albuquerque, NM.

The Contract Specialist will be responsible for performing all manner of contracts related duties; including pre-award, award, and close-out activities necessary to conduct AUI/NRAO business with a broad spectrum of domestic and international organizations.

The position is based at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory offices in Albuquerque, NM.

What You Will be Doing

Administers contracts and subcontracts from award through close-out.

• Administers contracts and subcontracts from award through close-out.
• Manages source selections and develops detailed documentation for procurements plans, evaluations, and selection justifications.
• Maintains contracts and related document files.
• Coordinates the approval request process for large procurements and outside funding proposals that require the review and approval of NRAO senior management, AUI management, and NSF.
• Coordinates activities with NRAO buyers to ensure continuity of efforts and full accountability and tracking of current and pending contractual obligations.
• Assists with review and monitoring to ensure that Observatory practices and procedures maintain compliance with a variety of Federal guidelines and regulations while dealing with institutions of higher learning, state agencies, and public corporations.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment.

Who You Are:

Education

• A n Associate’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Experience

• Three years of experience in purchasing or a related field.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated written communications
• Demonstrated oral communications
• Able to read and understand large quantities of technical materials related to the position as well as information regarding scientific proposals
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills
• Fundamental knowledge of pricing concepts, accounting standards, and cost principles
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary of this position is between $60,000 and $70,000 . Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/ . If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to [e-mail] . PM20

5651 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA