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.

As the Manager of Task Order Management and Pricing, you serve as the senior business leader responsible for cross divisional thrusts to develop the contractual authority necessary to place efforts on contract. These efforts include not only NASA, but other government agencies and commercial sponsors through the NASA / Caltech Prime and the Caltech Contracting Mechanism (CCM). In this role you will manage Task Order Management (2531) and Pricing (2532), while closely coordinating with the Contracts Management, Policy & Compliance Section on prime contract matters. This role requires a strong understanding of the Caltech / NASA Prime contract as it relates to direct NASA work and reimbursable Inter-Agency Agreements (IAA) and Space Act Agreement (SAA) efforts as well as the CCM process. You will shape contracting strategies, strengthen institutional processes, and cultivate a strong partnership relationship with the NASA Office of JPL Management and Oversight (NOJMO) and NASA directorates.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment

• Coordinate with the Contracts Management, Policy & Compliance Section to resolve, reconcile, and address contractual and pricing issues.
• Partner closely with NOJMO, the NASA Enterprise Pricing Office and the cognizant NASA directorates to drive strategies for ensuring uninterrupted flow of work to the lab.
• Act as a thought partner to PBMD leadership, contributing insights that influence as they pertain to contractual matters and how to leverage solutions from possible changes in contractual and pricing policies.
• Foster a collaborative environment that supports integrated cross-divisional business operations and unified programmatic stewardship.
• Work with FFRDC Communities of Practice to address and get ahead of common issues.
• Forge and sustain strong, influential partnerships with stakeholders and customers to drive alignment, strengthen organizational positioning, and advance strategic objectives.
• Seek efficiencies and streamline approaches to accelerate the organization’s ability to bring in work.

Executive Advisory & Performance Insight

• Provide the CFO/Director For Financial & Business Operations and PBMD with independent insight into contractual and pricing matters.
• Identify, assess, and communicate risks, issues, and concerns with clarity, objectivity, and actionable context.
• Deliver high‑quality assessments and recommendations to the Director For and Managers to support informed decision making.

Workforce Leadership & Talent Development

• Attract, develop, and retain a diverse, highly qualified workforce of contract management and pricing professionals.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development for direct reports and emerging talent.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related discipline with a minimum of 12 years of related experience; or Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 8 years related experience. Minimum of 8 years of management experience.
• Broad multidisciplinary knowledge of industry best practices in contract, personnel, and program/project management.
• Deep familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and other government and/or commercial contracting principles.
• Extensive experience and knowledge across all phases of the project life cycle to provide appropriate contractual and pricing support.
• Proven leadership skills and demonstrated ability to develop, motivate, coach, and maintain a high performing team.
• High degree of attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong communicator with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively in verbal, written, and presentation formats.
• Demonstrated mastery of JPL policies and procedures, applicable Prime Contract requirements, NASA procedural directives, and relevant government regulations across diverse business and programmatic domains.
• Ability to travel based on office requirements.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hold an active TS/SCI 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.

$214,760 - $271,024

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.