Contracts Manager V

Contracts Manager V

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus  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.

As a Contracts Manager V within the Contracts Management, Policy and Compliance Section (2110), you will enable mission success by delivering expert contractual strategy, stewardship, and execution. Serve as the recognized authoritative subject matter expert, accountable for highly complex, unique, and high-risk contractual matters with strategic impact across the Laboratory and Caltech. This role requires deft judgment, leadership, and expertise in contracting and sophisticated coordination with executive leadership with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Provide advisory support to executive leadership and represent the Laboratory externally. Lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage priorities, budgets, and staffing. Recommend and implement strategic initiatives to strengthen organizational efficiency and compliance posture.
• Be the interpretive body for contractual matters. Provide strategic guidance to Laboratory personnel and executive management on rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies. Lead Laboratory-wide teams addressing complex issues with mission or sponsor impact. Contribute to emerging contract strategies, innovations in compliance methods, and transformative process improvements.
• Serve as the principal interface and manage critical relationships with the NASA Office of JPL Management and Oversight (NOJMO), NASA Centers, and Caltech/JPL leadership, and Sponsors to ensure alignment on institutional goals and strategies.
• Lead the negotiation and execution of high-level agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), and other high-level contractual instruments with the government, civil and commercial sponsors.
• Ensure strict adherence to Caltech/JPL policies and federal regulations. Conduct rigorous reviews of documentation and maintain gold-standard contract records.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field with a minimum of 12 years of related experience; OR a Master's degree in similar discipline with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; OR PhD in similar discipline with a minimum 8 years of related experience.
• Proven track record in a managerial or project leadership role, with the ability to lead change and innovation under pressure. Demonstrated leadership in forming and directing cross-organizational teams addressing crucial and complex issues.
• Expert knowledge with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and other government and/or commercial contracting principles. Demonstrated expertise analyzing and negotiating complex contract terms and conditions.
• Demonstrated multidisciplinary and in-depth knowledge of advanced contract principles, theories, and concepts. Applied industry best practices in contracts, personnel, and program/project management.
• Apply executive judgment and lead with…