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.

The Mechanical & Control Systems Division (35) is seeking a highly professional, self-motivated individual to serve as Business Administrator III for the Robotic Mobility & Manipulation (358) Section. This role requires a strong commitment to service excellence, organizational precision, and operational flexibility within a fast-paced, high-volume, and dynamic organization. As a member of the 7358 Robotic Mobility & Manipulation Business Administration Team, you report to the Section Business Manager while supporting the section’s management in all aspects of business and administrative duties. 

 

Responsibilities:

The Business Administrator is responsible for providing directions on all aspects of a broad range of administrative functions. Represents an organization on administrative matters in support of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. Implements, interprets, facilitates, advises and recommends internal administrative policies and procedures in the areas of finance, human resources, facilities, acquisitions, communications, safety, IT, property assets, EH&S compliance, documentation and day to day operations. Ensures organizational, management, and employee compliance with Institute policies and procedures, as well as Government regulations. May oversee events/programs for organization and/or Laboratory

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Assisting the Section Business Manager with a variety of activities including budget development and financial planning, data analysis, reporting, rewards and recognition, various human resources activities, workforce analysis, facilities, safety, and office space/lab management across the organization.
• Independently preparing or coordinating monthly and/or quarterly scheduled and ad-hoc financial analyses, reports and data as requested by management for strategic planning, performance reporting, and forecasting.
• Collaborating with customers and business partners to achieve objectives and increase the efficiency of the organization.
• Leading and/or contributing to initiatives focused on process improvement, budget streamlining, and business systems enhancement such as developing automated reports, dashboards, and business metrics using advanced query tools and multiple data sources.
• Assessing organizational communication and information management needs, including developing and maintaining websites, shared resources, and documentation repositories to improve accessibility and consistency.
• Serving as a Point of Contact and Subject Matter Expert for on-/off-boarding, facilities, and safety.
• Developing, coordinating, implementing, and continuously improving procedures within the organization to meet JPL’s administrative and business requirements. 
• Acting as liaison to other Laboratory organizations, including representation of and participation on various committees. 
• Serving as backup to the Section Business Manager for specified functions.
• Independently managing special assignments and other business priorities as needed to support section objectives.

 

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 4 year of related experience.
• Broad understanding and wide application of advanced principles, theories, concepts and techniques in Business Administration, Financial Planning, Workforce Administration, Safety and Facility Management.
• Ability to present complex findings in a clear, concise manner using graphics, tables and high-level summarization – both verbally and in writing.
• Must have advanced skills in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Demonstrated expertise in the administrative processes for hiring foreign nationals and navigating various immigration statuses.
• Proven ability to handle critical, confidential data with strict tact, discretion, and professionalism.
• An intellectually curious self-starter who takes ownership of their work and independently resolves highly complex issues.
• Dependable and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to prioritize, multi-task, and consistently deliver high-quality results on strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation, and training abilities.

 

Preferred Skills:

• Proven ability to navigate changing project scenarios and life cycle cost.
• Experience with ORACLE financials and requisition modules, as well as applications including Standard Financial Reporting (SFR), Data Extractor, IBT, PEG, OBIEE Analytics, and Workday
• Experience with data visualization, and familiarity with PowerBI, and AI/LLMs (such as Gemini, Copilot, Claude)
• Knowledge of organizational operations, applicable JPL and NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations.

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.

$102,128 - $159,640

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.