Construction Manager III

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.

This position is a key role within the Facilities and Logistics Division at JPL, supporting NASA's mission through the planning and execution of critical construction and infrastructure projects. The Construction Manager III will oversee a diverse portfolio of tenant improvement, construction of facilities and laboratory upgrades, ensuring JPL's built environment continues to meet world-class standards that enable groundbreaking science and exploration.

Position Summary:

The Construction Manager III will report to the Group Supervisor for Construction Administration in the Engineering and Construction Section. This individual will independently lead general construction projects—often complex, multi-phase efforts ranging from $10K to over $1M—managing contractors, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and codes, and coordinating closely with JPL stakeholders. This role requires technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in support of mission-critical facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and execute general construction projects utilizing T&M and fixed-price contracts.
• Provide a defined process, technical direction and managerial oversight of construction and installation contractors.
• Lead and coordinate teams of Facilities staff and external partners across all project phases.
• Prepare cost estimates, scopes of work, RFP packages, budgets, schedules, and spend plans.
• Inspect construction projects for adherence to codes, standards, and safety practices.
• Track progress, assess percent completion, and report status on safety, cost, schedule, and quality.
• Perform site investigations, identify issues, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with JPL stakeholders, consultants, suppliers, and contractors.
• Manage contracts, budgets, schedules, and quality deliverables to ensure project success.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters or higher with 8 years of management experience.
• Demonstrated construction management experience in installation/construction projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Electrical/Mechanical/Civil/Structural Engineering or a related field with 7+ years of experience, or Master's with 3+ years.
• Expertise in facilities-related projects with emphasis on mechanical systems and infrastructure.
• Experience with institutional infrastructure, utilities, and site structures.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracting methods and evaluation approaches.
• Proficiency in schedule development, cost estimating, SOWs, RFIs, and change management.
• Working knowledge of CBC, NFPA70, NEC, and construction safety requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, MS Project, and familiarity with project management tools.
• Strong communication skills for interaction with management, staff, contractors, and clients.
• Commitment to undergo a SCIF clearance/ background check within 12 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Federal government or NASA/JPL facilities environment.
• Experience as an owner's representative for a large multi-facility campus.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, TRIRIGA, and Meridian software.
• Knowledge of ADA requirements.
• Licensed Inspector or equivalent certifications. Willingness to obtain special inspection credentials will be considered as well.

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.

$118,872 - $146,848

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.

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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.