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NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Federally funded robot space missions developer

Subcontracts Business Operations Intern

Internship
$21 - $26.50/hr
Bachelor's
Pasadena, CA, USA
In Person
Operations & LogisticsProcurement & Sourcing
No H1B Sponsorship

About the job

Requirements
  • Must be currently enrolled at least half-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business or a related discipline.
  • Must be able to work a minimum of 20 hours per week and a maximum of 30 hours per week while in school.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
Responsibilities
  • Provide support to subcontract managers in developing and issuing solicitations for goods and services.
  • Prepare documentation appropriate to subcontract value and necessary to satisfy internal audit and review requirements.
  • Communicate significant activities associated with the issuance of low-dollar subcontracts internally and externally.
  • Ensure purchased goods and services are received in accordance with the price and delivery schedule, and handle closeout activities promptly.
  • Perform standard transactions that update financial business processes and systems based on departmental instructions.
  • Work on day-to-day assignments under direct supervision and receive detailed instructions on new assignments.
  • Use applicable policies, procedures, and practices as guides to determine work methods and deliver results.
  • Seek guidance in applying applicable policies, procedures, and practices to new situations to determine appropriate action.
  • Interact primarily with the immediate supervisor and team members within the organization.
  • Participate on a team within the organization.
Desired Qualifications
  • Completed coursework with exposure to standard principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in business communications and database spreadsheets.
  • Prior internship experience in related business areas.
  • Ability to rapidly comprehend and apply subcontracting principles in a high-volume environment.
  • Participation in student organizations.
  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to interface with personnel at all levels and resolve multifaceted issues.

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.