Research Administrator

Summary

Headquartered in sunny Los Angeles, GrayMatter Robotics is a well-capitalized AI robotics startup serving the manufacturing industry.  We empower shop floor workers with our smart robots that assist with tedious and ergonomically challenging tasks, specifically in automated surface finishing. Our proprietary GMR-AI™ software is integrated with state-of-the-art industrial robots, sensors, and tools to create application-specific turnkey solutions for customers through a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.

We help manufacturers improve the quality of life for their workforce while increasing production capacity, and reducing scrap, repair, and rework costs. As a Research Administrator  you will join our Government Projects team onsite in our Carson, CA office to prepare and submit proposals, oversee reporting and financial administration of awarded contracts, drive compliance with government regulations, oversee reporting requirements, and maintain financial and accounting system integrity.

This role is available for contract to hire.

Role & Responsibilities

As a Research Administrator, you will leverage your background in proposal preparation, proposal submission, government contracting, grant administration, compliance and financial management to:

• Ensure compliance with government regulations, including FAR, DFARS, and other relevant policies.

• Assist in preparing and submitting government proposals, ensuring adherence to all requirements.

• Manage reporting obligations, including financial, technical, and performance reports for government contracts and research grants.

• Develop and maintain financial models to support budget forecasting, contract execution, and research fund tracking.

• Oversee compliance with government accounting systems and regulations (e.g., DCAA requirements).

• Manage research funding and ensure compliance with grant administration requirements.

• Track research expenditures and ensure proper allocation of grant funds.

• Work closely with internal teams to ensure adherence to government contract and grant guidelines and deliverables.

• Maintain records and documentation to support audits, compliance reviews, and grant reporting.

• Provide administrative support for contract modifications, grant renewals, and amendments.

• Collaborate with legal, finance, and operations teams to ensure seamless contract and grant execution.

• Provide support during government contract negotiation by completing the required documents.   

Export Control Requirements

In order to comply with the export regulations of the United States Government, it is required that the applicant must fall under one of the following categories: (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (i.e. current green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in government contracting, compliance, research administration, or financial administration.

• Experience with government proposal preparation, grant compliance, and reporting requirements.

• Familiarity with government accounting standards, financial management, and research fund tracking.

• Demonstrate expert-level attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across multiple teams.

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with quickly changing priorities.

• Must meet export control requirements in the United States and maintain ongoing work authorization beginning at the time of hire through the entirety of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with DCAA-compliant accounting systems.

• Knowledge of SBIR/STTR grant compliance and reporting.

• Understanding of cost structures, pricing for government contracts, and grant funding mechanisms.

• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other government contracting regulations.

• Prior experience in a startup or technology-driven environment.

GrayMatter Robotics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage and embrace applicants of all backgrounds to apply!

GrayMatter Robotics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodations during the recruiting process, please contact accommodations@graymatter-robotics.com to submit your request.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation for this position includes the base salary range of $90,000-$120,000 USD plus equity. We also provide comprehensive benefits and perks which include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO, 401(k) plan + employer match, regular offsite events, a discretionary fund for enhancing productivity and so much more! The range listed on job postings reflect the minimum and maximum new hire salary across levels in Los Angeles, CA.