Contracts Manager II

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 an enthusiastic, detail-oriented professional to join our team of experts. If you are ready to launch your career and help solve the unique business challenges of space discovery, this is the place for you.

The Opportunity

As a member of the Contracts Management, Policy, and Compliance Section (2110), you will provide essential support for the NASA/Caltech Prime Contract and other key contractual agreements. You will work alongside senior experts to learn the complexities of federal contracting, helping to protect the Laboratory's interests while supporting our mission-driven environment. This is a high-growth role for someone eager to develop expertise in compliance, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Assist in developing and managing complex proposals and task plans. Proactively monitor milestones and deadlines to ensure timely renewals and modifications.
• Coordinate with Legal, Finance, and Program Management, as well as external partners like NASA, to ensure seamless contract execution.
• Under the guidance of experienced team members, advise partners on their contractual rights and obligations. Provide clear contractual guidance to JPL personnel to ensure alignment with policies and procedures.
• Support the processing of basic agreements, such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), Interagency Personnel Agreements (IPA), and other contractual agreements.
• Maintain "gold-standard" accessible contract records. Ensure documents are in compliance with contract specifications and JPL policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, law, public policy or related field with typically 3 years of related experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with typically 1 year of related experience; or PhD in related field with typically 0 years experience.
• A proactive team player who can manage competing priorities and deliver accurate documentation under tight deadlines.
• Foundational understanding of contract principles, including terms and conditions, contract types.
• Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to explain information clearly to diverse teammates.
• Strong command of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly master JPL-specific financial and tracking software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Government Contracts and/or Prime/Subcontract administration.
• Basic understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and government contracting principles.

Competencies for Success

• An "eager learner" who is proactive about seeking feedback and developing new professional skills.
• The ability to identify issues early and work with the team to find practical solutions.
• High level of integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

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.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

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.

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.

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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.