Green Card Contract Officer Jobs
Contract Officer jobs with green card sponsorship are available through federal contractors, defense firms, and procurement-heavy employers that regularly sponsor EB-2 and EB-3 candidates. PERM labor certification requires employers to document recruitment efforts and meet DOL prevailing wage standards before filing an I-140 petition, making early employer alignment critical for a smooth path to lawful permanent residence.
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Get Access To All JobsJob ID
16618
Location
Arlington, TX
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Salary
The annual salary for this position ranges from $78,000 to $114,000. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.
Documents Needed to Apply
Required:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- References (minimum of three)
Purpose of Position
The Research Contract Officer assists the Program Director in managing, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the University's portfolio of academic, industrial, and government research contracts. The position supports the protection of University intellectual property, compliance with applicable institutional and sponsor requirements, and the timely execution of research agreements.
Essential Functions
- Drafts, reviews, and negotiates customary and nonstandard University research agreements, including Sponsored Research Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Use Agreements, equipment loans, and third-party commercial contract documents.
- Evaluates agreement terms for alignment with UTA policies, University of Texas System rules, federal requirements, controlled information obligations, export control considerations, intellectual property rights, publication rights, and liability exposure in public higher education contracts.
- Coordinates with Pre-Award, the Office of Grant and Contract Services, UTA/System legal resources, Principal Investigators, and departmental administrators to align contract terms with scopes of work, budgets, compliance requirements, and institutional signature authority.
- Prepares redlines, negotiation summaries, background briefs, compliance checklists, and signature packets for review by the Program Director and authorized institutional signatories.
- Maintains template agreements, workflow documentation, contract records, status tracking, and auditable electronic files in support of efficient agreement management and institutional reporting.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in the State of Texas or the ability to obtain a Texas license within twelve (12) months of employment.
- One (1) year of legal experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with higher education law, research administration, technology transfer, federal grants or contracts, state procurement, public-sector contracting, or sponsored research agreements.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of contract drafting, negotiation, and legal issue spotting in a public university or research environment.
- Understanding of intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data use, export controls, controlled information, and liability concepts.
- Ability to manage multiple active workflows, proofread complex documents, and communicate clearly with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and legal stakeholders.
- Ability to prepare concise summaries, redlines, briefing materials, and escalation notes for institutional decision-makers.
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm
Benefits Information
Position is benefit eligible: Yes
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.
PreEmployment Background Check
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.
Job ID
16618
Location
Arlington, TX
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Salary
The annual salary for this position ranges from $78,000 to $114,000. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.
Documents Needed to Apply
Required:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- References (minimum of three)
Purpose of Position
The Research Contract Officer assists the Program Director in managing, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the University's portfolio of academic, industrial, and government research contracts. The position supports the protection of University intellectual property, compliance with applicable institutional and sponsor requirements, and the timely execution of research agreements.
Essential Functions
- Drafts, reviews, and negotiates customary and nonstandard University research agreements, including Sponsored Research Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Data Use Agreements, equipment loans, and third-party commercial contract documents.
- Evaluates agreement terms for alignment with UTA policies, University of Texas System rules, federal requirements, controlled information obligations, export control considerations, intellectual property rights, publication rights, and liability exposure in public higher education contracts.
- Coordinates with Pre-Award, the Office of Grant and Contract Services, UTA/System legal resources, Principal Investigators, and departmental administrators to align contract terms with scopes of work, budgets, compliance requirements, and institutional signature authority.
- Prepares redlines, negotiation summaries, background briefs, compliance checklists, and signature packets for review by the Program Director and authorized institutional signatories.
- Maintains template agreements, workflow documentation, contract records, status tracking, and auditable electronic files in support of efficient agreement management and institutional reporting.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in the State of Texas or the ability to obtain a Texas license within twelve (12) months of employment.
- One (1) year of legal experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with higher education law, research administration, technology transfer, federal grants or contracts, state procurement, public-sector contracting, or sponsored research agreements.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of contract drafting, negotiation, and legal issue spotting in a public university or research environment.
- Understanding of intellectual property, publication rights, confidentiality, data use, export controls, controlled information, and liability concepts.
- Ability to manage multiple active workflows, proofread complex documents, and communicate clearly with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and legal stakeholders.
- Ability to prepare concise summaries, redlines, briefing materials, and escalation notes for institutional decision-makers.
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm
Benefits Information
Position is benefit eligible: Yes
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.
PreEmployment Background Check
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.
See all Green Card Contract Officer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Contract Officer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship in Contract Officer
Match your credentials to EB-2 or EB-3
A bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or a related field qualifies you for EB-3. If you hold a master's degree or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive contract management experience, you may qualify for EB-2, which can shorten your overall timeline depending on your country of birth.
Search for verified green card sponsors on Migrate Mate
Target employers with a documented history of sponsoring Contract Officers through PERM. Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified employment-based green card sponsorship history, searchable by role and location, so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never navigated PERM for this occupation.
Prioritize federal contractors and defense primes
Federal contractors under FAR and DFARS obligations employ the largest concentrations of Contract Officers and have established HR processes for PERM sponsorship. Firms with active government contracts have recurring procurement staffing needs, which creates more predictable sponsorship pipelines than commercial employers hiring opportunistically.
Verify your offered wage against OFLC Wage Search
Before accepting an offer, look up the prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location using OFLC Wage Search. Your offered salary must meet or exceed the DOL-determined prevailing wage at the time of PERM filing, and a shortfall discovered late can require renegotiation or delay your entire labor certification.
Confirm your O*NET classification with HR before PERM starts
Contract Officer roles map to multiple SOC codes in O*NET depending on whether the work is primarily procurement, compliance, or administration. The SOC code your employer selects drives the prevailing wage level and shapes the PERM recruitment test, so a misclassification early can create costly corrections at the I-140 stage.
File your I-485 as soon as your priority date is current
Once USCIS approves your I-140 and your priority date becomes current on the DOS Visa Bulletin, file your I-485 promptly to lock in your place in the queue. If you're a national of a high-backlog country, filing concurrently when permitted also preserves your priority date if your employer changes.
Green Card Contract Officer: Frequently Asked Questions
What does the PERM process look like for a Contract Officer role?
Your employer files a PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor before any I-140 petition can be submitted to USCIS. DOL requires a prevailing wage determination and a formal recruitment test proving no minimally qualified U.S. workers were available for the role. For Contract Officer positions, the job description must accurately reflect the actual duties and minimum requirements, since overly narrow requirements can trigger an audit.
How is green card sponsorship different from H-1B sponsorship for Contract Officers?
H-1B visa sponsorship is temporary and subject to an annual lottery, while green card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 leads to lawful permanent residence with no renewal requirement. PERM replaces the LCA process used in H-1B filings and involves a more intensive DOL recruitment test. Nationals from high-demand countries like India and China may also face significant priority-date backlogs before they can file an I-485.
Which employers sponsor green cards for Contract Officers?
Federal contractors, defense prime contractors, aerospace firms, and large government consulting organizations account for the majority of PERM filings for Contract Officer roles. These employers have dedicated immigration counsel and recurring procurement staffing needs. Use Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified employment-based green card sponsorship history in this occupation before applying.
Can I change jobs after my employer files my PERM?
Once your I-485 has been pending for 180 days or more and your I-140 is approved, AC21 portability allows you to move to a new employer in the same or a similar occupation without losing your place in line. Your priority date from the original approved I-140 can also carry over to a new employer's petition, which matters significantly if you're subject to a backlog.
Does a Contract Officer role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3?
Most Contract Officer positions qualify under EB-3 with a bachelor's degree in business, public administration, supply chain, or a related field. If the role requires a master's degree or if you have a bachelor's degree plus at least five years of progressive contract management experience, your employer may be able to structure the position for EB-2, potentially giving you access to a shorter priority-date queue depending on your country of birth.