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CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

Contracting Officer

Closes:

Salary: $86,700 – $90,000 per year

63

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Contracting Officer reports to the Purchasing Contracting Manager and is a key member of the purchasing team. The Contracting Officer performs all the tasks necessary to acquire goods and services for one or more departments/divisions and provides general purchasing and contract administration.

Essential Job Duties

  • Handling moderate to complex procurements of supplies, equipment, and services with high financial exposure
  • Communicating with suppliers and internal customers to develop technically sound contracts and/or procurement documents
  • Sourcing, obtaining quotations/bids, making awards, and preparing and issuing purchase orders
  • Monitoring, amending, and closing out standard and declining balance purchase orders
  • Processing and reconciling credit card purchases
  • Preparing competitive and non-competitive procurement justifications
  • Performing cost or price analyses and recommending options that best meet customer requirements
  • Negotiating specifications and terms and conditions and administering procurement contracts
  • Documenting procurement packages to comply with internal and external audit requirements
  • Being a self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team or independently as an individual contributor.

Special assignments may include:

  • Developing and issuing solicitation documents, coordinating the evaluation of proposals, and negotiating specifications and terms and conditions
  • Lead project-based work or task teams, including preparing for and leading monthly TechMart training sessions, and speaking or presenting to internal or external customers
  • Participating in Purchasing’s Supplier Relations Committee, which seeks to foster and build relationships among Caltech’s e-procurement catalog suppliers and Campus customers
  • Assisting Procurement’s Systems Analyst in building and generating reports for the purpose of strategic sourcing
  • Responsibility for creating, maintaining and overseeing supplier contracts/master purchasing agreements using Purchasing’s Compliance Contract Tracker tool

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of purchasing experience OR 6 years of purchasing experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong customer focus and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in business administration or equivalent degree.
  • Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certification.
  • Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification.
  • Experience in higher education. NCMA membership.
  • Experience with government procurement and government property accountability.

Required Documents

  • Resume.

Hiring Range

$86,700 to $90,000

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

Job details

Title
Contracting Officer
Employer
CalTech - California Institute of Technology
Location
Pasadena, CA
Published
Oct 26, 2026
Closes:
Dec 25, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Business and Financial Services
Salary

Salary: $86,700 – $90,000 per year

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What is the Contracting Officer?

This listing is for Contracting Officer at CalTech - California Institute of Technology.

📍Where is this role located?

The listed location is Pasadena, CA.

💰What is the salary?

The listed salary is $86,700 – $90,000 yearly.

📅When do applications close?

Applications close on Dec 25, 2026.

💼What type of appointment is this?

The listed type is Full time.

📝How do I apply?

Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.

About the employer

CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover Caltech jobs, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities at one of the world’s leading institutions for science and technology. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), located in Pasadena, California, is renowned for its groundbreaking research and academic excellence, making Caltech uni jobs highly sought after by academics and professionals globally. Caltech careers offer an innovative and collaborative environment for individuals to excel. Caltech university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the institute’s key areas of academic specialization, including physics, astronomy, engineering, computer science, and biology. Employment Caltech includes roles such as professors, research scientists, postdoctoral scholars, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing Caltech jobs Pasadena, the institute’s vibrant campus provides a dynamic workplace in a sunny, culturally rich region near Los Angeles. Caltech uni vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in cutting-edge research, teaching, and administrative roles. Jobs at Caltech cover fields like quantum computing, planetary science, and bioengineering, aligning with the institute’s mission to advance scientific discovery and solve global challenges. Each Caltech vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to pioneering projects within a world-class scientific community. Caltech Employment Opportunities are extensive, with Caltech job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A Caltech Career offers the chance to join an institution that values innovation, rigor, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Caltech uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest Caltech vacancies. Jobs at Caltech uni are ideal for those passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and technology. Caltech job postings include positions in chemistry, data science, and professional services such as IT and research administration. Caltech Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with Caltech Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a prestigious institution driving global scientific progress.

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