Contracts Manager

Level 3 Contracts ManagerThe Task Order Management Group within JPL's Financial & Business Operations Directorate is responsible for managing task orders under the Caltech–NASA Prime Contract that operates JPL. We focus on day-to-day contract management activities, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, and supporting JPL's mission through effective task order administration.As a Level 3 Contracts Manager, you will play a key role in managing the lifecycle of task orders—from initiation through close-out while providing strategic guidance and resolving complex contractual issues. You will serve as a primary interface with NASA, internal stakeholders, and sponsoring agencies for task order development, management, and modification. This position requires strong analytical skills, independent judgment, and the ability to influence decisions across multiple organizations while working collaboratively in a highly collaborative, stakeholder-heavy environment.Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:Task Order Lifecycle Management: Independently manage a portfolio of complex research and development task orders under the Caltech–NASA Prime Contract, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and timely execution of modifications, renewals, funding actions, and no-cost extensions.Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate discussions for task order changes, funding adjustments, and other contractual matters with NASA/sponsors and internal stakeholders.Contractual Guidance and Risk Mitigation: Provide authoritative interpretation of task order requirements and advise project teams on contractual obligations, risks, and compliance strategies.Cross-Functional Collaboration and Teamwork: Partner with pricing, business teams, legal, program management, and technical teams to resolve issues and ensure smooth task order execution in a highly collaborative, stakeholder-heavy setting.Documentation and Compliance: Oversee preparation, review, and maintenance of task order documentation for accuracy and adherence to JPL and NASA requirements.REQUIRED SKILLSTypically requires a Bachelor's degree in business administration, business law, or related discipline with a minimum of six (6) years of related experience; Master's degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of (4) four years of related experience; or PhD (including JD) in similar disciplines with a minimum of two (2) years related experience.Extensive understanding and experience managing multiple government contracts.Extensive understanding and ability to apply FAR-based contracting principals.Proficiency in Microsoft Office.DESIRED SKILLSAdvanced knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in government contracting including different contract types such as Firm Fixed Price, Time and Materials, and other Cost Type contracts.Active TS/SCI security clearance or ability to obtain the clearance.Equal Opportunity/Affirmative ActionColumbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.