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.

The Task Order Management Group within JPL’s Financial & Business Operations Directorate is responsible for managing task orders under the Caltech–NASA Prime Contract that operates JPL. We focus on day‑to‑day contract management activities, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, and supporting JPL’s mission through effective task order administration.

As a Contracts Manager III, you will play a key role in managing the lifecycle of task orders—from initiation through close-out while providing strategic guidance and resolving complex contractual issues. You will serve as a primary interface with NASA, internal stakeholders, and sponsoring agencies for task order development, management, and modification. This position requires strong analytical skills, independent judgment, and the ability to influence decisions across multiple organizations while working collaboratively in a highly collaborative, stakeholder‑heavy environment.

Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Independently manage a portfolio of complex research and development task orders under the Caltech–NASA Prime Contract, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and timely execution of modifications, renewals, funding actions, and no‑cost extensions.

Coordinate discussions for task order changes, funding adjustments, and other contractual matters with NASA/sponsors and internal stakeholders, demonstrating persuasive communication and conflict‑resolution skills.

Provide authoritative interpretation of task order requirements and advise project teams on contractual obligations, risks, and compliance strategies, applying strong analytical and problem‑solving competencies.

Partner with pricing, finance, legal, program management, and technical teams to resolve issues and ensure smooth task order execution in a highly collaborative, stakeholder‑heavy setting. Leverage relationship‑building and stakeholder‑management skills and contribute to a collaborative team culture by sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues.

Oversee preparation, review, and maintenance of task order documentation for accuracy and adherence to JPL and NASA requirements, demonstrating attention to detail and organizational excellence.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, business law, or related discipline with a minimum of six (6) years of related experience; Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of (4) four years of related experience; or PhD (including JD) in similar disciplines with a minimum of two (2) years related experience.  

• Experience in providing overall leadership and taking proactive measures as required in the development, coordination, and management of large and highly complex proposals/task plans, as well as providing individual and team accountability on multi-functional and/or multidisciplinary projects.

• Ability to work on major assignments and projects without appreciable direction, typically exercising considerable latitude in determining objectives, discretion and independent judgment to compare and evaluate various methods, approaches, and resources and decide which will best accomplish each aspect of such assignments and projects.

• Experience in researching, analyzing, negotiating, processing and responding to inquiries regarding requirements on highly complex Task Orders, Prime Contract documentation, Contract Modifications, and Agreements with Government Agencies and Commercial Organizations

• Proficiency in personal computer applications and software (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) in order to execute the work required; including the ability to learn ORACLE and other institutional applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven collaboration skills with internal and external customers, working as a contract expert and involved team member in negotiating special contract terms

• Experience in identifying highly complex risks and partner with management and Legal Counsel in drafting risk mitigation plans, including participating in the implementation of the risk mitigation plans as needed

•  Advanced knowledge in administration of government cost-type R&D contracts, and Interpreting Policies

• Extensive understanding and ability to apply wide application of advanced principles, theories, concepts and techniques in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), NASA FAR Supplement, and other government regulations

•  Advanced knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in government contracting including different contract types such as Firm Fixed Price, Time and Materials)

• Active TS/SCI security clearance or ability to obtain the clearance

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.