Senior Contracts Manager – Strategic Counsel & Compliance

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

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.