Business Administrator Academic Part Time (APX)

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers - literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission - your opportunity - is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsibilities

This is a unique opportunity to support the Flight Reliability Assurance and Component Engineering, Technology & Assurance Offices, which conduct research, advance technology, and develop sophisticated mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems. The organization’s expertise spans a broad range of mechanical engineering disciplines, from architectural concept development through operational implementation.

As an Academic Part-Time Undergraduate Student (APX), you will support business operations for the Flight Reliability Assurance and Component Engineering, Technology & Assurance Offices (7012). You will gain hands-on experience in financial management, analytical assessments, forecasting, trend analysis, workforce planning, acquisitions, facilities, and property management.

You will assist in preparing monthly and quarterly reports and develop the skills needed to present findings to section and division management. Additional responsibilities include opening and maintaining service orders, managing routers and uploads, troubleshooting failed transactions, collaborating with other teams to improve business processes, and supporting ad hoc section assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement and Financial Operations: Prepare standard procurement requisitions, and reconcile purchase order costs to help ensure accurate supplier payments.
• Process Improvement: Identify, implement, and routinely evaluate effective, cost-efficient business practices to improve operational efficiency and process effectiveness.
• Planning and Performance Monitoring: Exercise sound judgment in planning, organizing, and executing assigned tasks. Monitor performance and communicate status updates within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Customer Service and Quality Assurance: Ensure services meet internal and external customer requirements while maintaining a high standard of accuracy, responsiveness, and professionalism.
• Administrative and Operational Support: Support a variety of administrative activities related to logistics, acquisitions, shipping, and finance across Laboratory organizations. Maintain, compile, organize, and prepare reports, records, and other documentation, and assist with organizational projects and information gathering.
• Reporting and Data Analysis: Generate and prepare standard reports using various software applications to support business operations, financial analysis, and management decision-making.
• Inventory Management: Scan inventory items and maintain accurate inventory records in manual or electronic databases.
• Problem Resolution and Coordination: Help resolve operational issues, establish priorities, coordinate activities, and support other business and administrative assignments as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled at least half-time at an accredited college or university and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Availability to work a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 30 hours per week while school is in session.
• Foundational knowledge in one or more of the following areas: business administration, finance, budgeting, workforce planning, computer science, acquisitions, or human resources.
• Completed coursework providing exposure to business principles, accounting concepts, financial analysis, forecasting, trend analysis, budgeting, and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel (pivot tables, macros, and advanced functions), PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and exercise sound judgment when planning, prioritizing, and completing assignments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally with personnel at all organizational levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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Desired Qualifications

• Previous internship or work experience in business operations, finance, accounting, procurement, or a related field.
• A proactive, creative, and enthusiastic approach to completing routine tasks and identifying opportunities for improvement.

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job-related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical hourly rate for this job in Pasadena, California depending on education level (undergrad) is $21.00 as a freshman, $22.50 as a sophomore, $24.50 as a junior, and $26.50 as a Senior.

Rates may differ for graduate students pursuing a Master's or PhD.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$0 - $0 see information above

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here .