Contracts Manager III

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex contract matters requiring advanced judgment.
• Decisions have significant positive impact across multifunctional organizations, contributing to new business opportunities and mission outcomes.
• Lead development of complex proposals, and modifications involving contractual risk, including end‑to‑end planning, requirements analysis, negotiation preparation, and stakeholder coordination.
• Lead integrated teams and influence business and technical partners on contract impacts and implementation.
• Coordinate with Legal, Finance, and Program Management and Technical teams, as well as Sponsors, throughout contract execution.
• Interpret contract clauses and apply advanced knowledge to formulate negotiations considering operational, financial, and policy impacts across JPL.
• Provide authoritative guidance on contractual rights, obligations, and regulatory requirements ensuring clarity and consistency across stakeholders.
• Negotiate complex 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, business law or related field with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Master's degree in a related field with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; OR PhD in similar discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and government contracting principles on Government Contracts and/or Prime/Subcontract administration, NASA and/or JPL policies, and commercial contracting standards.
• Demonstrated strong judgment and exceptional communication skills, effectively influencing key stakeholders, including legal, executive teams, and faculty.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly master JPL-specific financial and tracking software.
• An active TS/SCI Clearance is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Health plans
• Dental plans
• Vision plans
• Wellbeing programs
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Learning opportunities
• Rideshare programs
• Childcare support
• Flexible schedule
• Parental leave

Pay

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $105,976 - $126,256