Job Details

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.

Responsibilities

JPL’s Acquisition Division acquires all goods and services that support Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s projects, missions, and critical institutional needs. Acquisition manages approximately $1.6–$2B in annual expenditures on behalf of the Laboratory. Due to the scope and complexity of these activities, Acquisition operations are subject to extensive oversight from both internal and external audit entities.

Procurement files and records are regularly reviewed as part of required annual audits and periodic compliance reviews conducted by organizations including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), and other federal oversight entities.

As a Level 4 Audit and Compliance Advisor, you will:

• Coordinate all internal and external audits between Acquisition management, staff, and audit entities including PwC, DCAA, DCMA, DOI, and JPL’s Audit Liaison Office.

• Serve as the primary Acquisition point of contact for auditors and facilitate communication, scheduling, and document requests.

• Ensure timely submission of requested audit documentation and verify that requests remain within the defined audit scope.

• Review procurement files and coordinate with subcontract managers and procurement staff to ensure files are audit-ready.

• Identify, develop, and draft highly complex acquisition procedures to ensure compliance with applicable subcontract documents such as JPL’s terms and conditions, JPL’s NASA Prime, best business practices and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Manage audit documentation through Acquisition’s IAN eAudit Center, including creating audit folders and managing visitor access permissions.

• Assist Acquisition Division management in reviewing audit findings and preparing responses to auditors.

• Serve as a primary source for updating Acquisition policies and procedures for the Division. Responsible for Acquisition Instructions, JPL Rules owned by Acquisition, Acquisition Generators and Acquisition JPL Forms.

• Support the implementation and tracking of corrective actions for audit findings and compliance issues.

• Conduct regularly scheduled self-assessments to monitor compliance with NASA’s Prime Contract and Acquisition Instructions.

• Assist Acquisition Advisors with drafting and updating division procedures to maintain compliance with federal regulations and best business practices.

• Develop and conduct training sessions on audit readiness, compliance procedures, and audit-related topics.

• Responsible for communicating policy changes to Division and coordinating necessary training.

• Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for Acquisition management regarding audit status, risks, and findings.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen internal controls, improve processes, and increase audit efficiency.

Audit Environment

Required Annual Audits

• JPL Financial Statements Audit (PwC) – approximately 8 months

• Uniform Guidance Audit (PwC)

• Property Management System Audit (DCMA) – approximately 2.5 months

• Contractor-Held Property Review (NASA Headquarters) – approximately 2.5 months

Periodic External Audits

• Small Business Subcontracting Program Audit (DCMA) – approximately every 3 years

• Incurred Cost Audits (DCAA) – approximately 9 months

• Labor Floor Check Audits (DCAA)

Internal Audits

• Internal audits and compliance assessments are conducted by Caltech’s Audit Services and Institute Compliance (ASIC) office, which performs an annual risk assessment and develops an audit plan for JPL operations.

• Additional Oversight Support

• Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

• Office of General Counsel (OGC)

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or related discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience; Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 5 years related experience.

• Extensive experience in auditing, compliance, accounting, risk management, or related fields.

• Strong ability to analyze information, assess compliance risks, and identify opportunities for process improvements.

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, exercising discretion and judgment in evaluating approaches, resources, and solutions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present and interpret complex information.

• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple complex audits, deadlines, and cross-organizational coordination.

• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations while determining appropriate resolutions to compliance and audit challenges.

• Serve as a key team member on cross-functional efforts and provide direction or mentoring to others when needed.

• General knowledge of Laboratory policies or NASA policies or government compliance requirements or GAAS and internal control frameworks.

Preferred Skills

• Wide range of experience in applying best business practices in a government related subcontracting environment, including source selection, conducting negotiations and management of a variety of complex subcontracts.

• Experience analyzing multi-million-dollar cost proposals

• Understanding of and analytical experience with Earned Value Management (EVM)

• Experience with Oracle Purchasing or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system

• Professional Designation in Government Contracts or Purchasing Management and/or membership to related professional affiliations

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.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

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.