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NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Federally funded robot space missions developer

Business Administrator 2

Full-TimePosted on 10/19/2026
$85.2k - $122.6k/yr
Mid
Bachelor's, Master's
Pasadena, CA, USA
In Person
Business & StrategyBusiness Operations

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline with at least three years of related experience, or a master's degree in similar disciplines with at least one 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 clearly and concisely using graphics, tables, and high-level summaries, verbally and in writing.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and familiarity with Workday.
  • Ability to plan, prioritize, multitask, complete assignments, and resolve complex issues independently and in a team environment, supported by strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • A track record of establishing trust with customers and working collaboratively as a business partner with personnel at all levels, and ability to lead teams effectively.
  • Ability to use tact and discretion when handling critical or confidential data.
  • Excellent communication, training, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of administrative processes for hiring foreign nationals and familiarity with immigration statuses.
  • Ability to work successfully under pressure on multiple tasks, meet time commitments, and deliver high-quality work products.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and customer service.
Responsibilities
  • Assist the Section Business Manager with budget development and financial planning, data analysis, reporting, rewards and recognition, human resources activities, workforce analysis, facilities, safety, and office space and lab management across the organization.
  • Prepare or coordinate monthly and/or quarterly scheduled and ad hoc financial analyses, reports, and data for management to support strategic planning, performance reporting, and forecasting.
  • Collaborate with customers and business partners to achieve objectives and increase organizational efficiency.
  • Lead and/or contribute to process-improvement, budget-streamlining, and business-systems-enhancement initiatives, including developing automated reports, dashboards, and business metrics using advanced query tools and multiple data sources.
  • Maintain the Section’s internal and external website and repository databases.
  • Evaluate solutions to business challenges using sound judgment and discretion.
  • Eventually serve as backup to the Section Business Manager for specified functions.
  • Perform ad hoc duties as assigned.
  • Assist in managing the Power and Energy Services Service Center, a service center valued at more than $5 million.
Desired Qualifications
  • Broad administrative experience in financial analysis, budgeting, cost analysis, asset management, workforce planning, and human resources.
  • Ability to navigate changing project scenarios and life-cycle cost.
  • Experience with Oracle financials and requisition modules, and applications including Data Extractor, IBT, OBIEE Analytics, Power BI, and Workday.
  • Knowledge of organizational operations, applicable JPL and NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations.
  • Previous Service Center experience.

About the company

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NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a federal research center managed by Caltech for NASA. It designs, builds, and operates robotic space missions for planetary exploration, Earth science, and space-based astronomy, along with technology development. JPL translates scientific ideas into real missions using specialized engineering, software, and mission operations conducted by cross-disciplinary teams, often in collaboration with NASA centers and other partners. Unlike many contractors, JPL functions as a government-run R&D center that directly plans and executes missions from concept through flight operations, ensuring national-space capabilities and scientific discovery stay aligned with NASA's goals. The lab’s aim is to turn bold science questions into working space missions and technologies that advance our understanding of the solar system and Earth, while upholding values of being bold, inclusive, and trusted.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Pasadena, California

Founded

1936

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Congress funded NASA at $24.4 billion on January 16, 2026, stabilizing JPL.
  • FAME demonstrations started June 2026, targeting near-real-time wildfire and flood alerts.
  • JPL still manages dozens of missions, preserving customer trust and technical relevance.

What critics are saying

  • JPL cut 550 jobs in October 2025 after earlier 2024-2025 layoffs.
  • Mars Sample Return cancellation erased JPL's flagship program and funding base.
  • Persistent budget cuts and telework exodus threaten JPL's Caltech-managed lab model.

What makes NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory unique

  • JPL runs more than three dozen flying missions across Earth science and planetary exploration.
  • Loft Orbital's June 23, 2026 partnership puts JPL AI on orbit.
  • Howard Eisen and Keyur Patel anchor mission success and chief-engineering discipline.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • Paid Vacation
  • Parental Leave
  • Childcare Support
  • Flexible Work Hours

Company News

Associated Press
Jun 23rd, 2026
Loft Orbital to deploy NASA JPL's AI software for real-time Earth disaster monitoring

Loft Orbital has secured an agreement with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to host and demonstrate AI software on its space infrastructure. The collaboration, part of JPL's Federated Autonomous MEasurement project funded by NASA's Earth Science Technology Office, will advance on-orbit AI capabilities for Earth science remote sensing. Flight demonstrations began in June 2026, with additional deployments scheduled through 2028. JPL's AI software aims to reduce data latency by processing information in near-real time, delivering urgent insights on wildfires, flooding and natural disasters to emergency responders. The spacecraft will demonstrate autonomous tip-and-queue tasking without ground intervention using intersatellite links. Founded in 2017, Loft Orbital has flown over 25 missions and operates facilities in San Francisco, Colorado and Toulouse, France.

newsupdates24
Jan 5th, 2025
NASA's Martian helicopter promises unprecedented views of the red planet

Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (NASA)YOU'LL NOW BE ABLE TO CHARGE YOUR DEVICES ON THE MOONNASA's next-gen Mars helicopterNASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is working on a concept for a next-generation Mars helicopter that could revolutionize exploration of the red planet.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Dec 9th, 2024
William Hayward Pickering

Pickering retired from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1976 and served for two years as director of the research institute of the University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia.

ABC7
Nov 13th, 2024
JPL to lay off 325 employees, about 5% of its workforce, amid budget cuts

JPL to lay off 325 employees, about 5% of its workforce, amid budget cuts.

Pasadena Now
Sep 5th, 2024
JPL Partners with Cal State LA to Boost STEM Diversity Through NASA Grant

JPL scientists will work closely with Cal State LA faculty on this two-year project to strengthen the university's research capacity in remote sensing.