Senior Contracts Manager Space & Government Programs

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

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.