Job description

O VERVIEW Must be a US Citizen Duration - 6 month contract position with potential to be extended or converted W2 with full benefits, 9/80 Work Schedule Customer and contract specific training will be required and provided. Location - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (onsite) Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen The US base pay range for this full-time position is $42-60/hr + benefits. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. JOB DESCRIPTION The 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 SKILLS • Typically 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 SKILLS • Advanced 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 Action Columbus 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.

Requirements

Must-haves

Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
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.
Documentation and Compliance: Oversee preparation, review, and maintenance of task order documentation for accuracy and adherence to JPL and NASA requirements.
Extensive understanding and experience managing multiple government contracts.
Extensive understanding and ability to apply FAR-based contracting principals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Nice-to-haves

Advanced 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 Action

Application prep

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