Academic Part Time Intern

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks an Academic Part Time Intern to support the Business Administration team. The role focuses on dashboards, data analysis, and lightweight applications to improve opportunity tracking and portfolio visibility.

You will gain hands-on experience with Power BI and SharePoint, while learning enterprise data practices and reporting. This 20‑hour weekly internship offers exposure to cross‑functional teams and real-world business processes.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled at least half-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field
• Must be available to work 20 hours per week
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to work with data
• Demonstrated interest in both business strategy and technical implementation
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Strong communication skills including presenting ideas and recommendations
• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Business Administration team to design and develop dashboards, trackers, and lightweight applications
• Translate business needs into practical, user‑focused solutions using enterprise tools
• Support automation of manual workflows using appropriate tools
• Organize and structure data from multiple sources to enable consistent reporting
• Assist in developing internal team sites or knowledge platforms to improve information accessibility
• Collaborate with Section team members and Division technical personnel on tasks
• Provide backup support during periods of high demand

Skills

Enrolled student

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Business, Engineering, CS, Data Analytics

GPA 3.0/4.0 minimum

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Power BI (preferred)

Job description

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.

Science, Implementation & Operations Business Administration Section

The Science, Implementation & Operations Business Administration Section is seeking an Academic Part Time Intern to work with the Business Administration team in supporting a range of administrative functions within the Division. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Science, Implementation, and Operations Division, which provides full-spectrum leadership in scientific research, formulation, systems engineering, mission design, and operations across the entire mission lifecycle! The Intern will be a member of the Division Business Administration Office and will report directly to the Manager. The selected candidate will gain hands‑on experience with many of JPL’s business processes, including asset and facilities management, human resources, workforce planning and forecasting, financial planning and reporting tools and processes, and other ad hoc assignments. Additionally, this intern will help translate business needs into practical, user‑focused solutions—leveraging JPL’s collaborative and data platforms to build dashboards, automate workflows, and develop internal tools and sites that enable more efficient and informed decision‑making across the portfolio (e.g., Microsoft Teams, PowerBI, Power Automate/PowerApps, and SharePoint‑based environments). This internship reinforces a student’s academic foundations in business, data analytics, information systems, and technology through real‑world applications while enabling them to build a portfolio of tangible work products such as dashboards, tools, sites, and automated workflows that demonstrate applied learning and can be showcased in future coursework or capstone projects. It strengthens technical proficiency with industry‑standard enterprise tools, enhances analytical thinking through projects involving opportunity evaluation, data organization, and decision support, and develops collaboration skills by immersing the student in real business development workflows alongside professionals across multiple teams.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Working alongside team members to understand business development workflows, data needs, and opportunity lifecycle processes
• Applying classroom knowledge to design and develop dashboards, trackers, and lightweight applications that support opportunity tracking and portfolio visibility
• Gaining experience in process improvement by supporting the automation of manual workflows using appropriate tools
• Learning how to organize and structure data from multiple sources to enable consistent reporting and analysis
• Assisting in the development of internal team sites or knowledge‑sharing platforms to improve information accessibility and usability
• Collaborate with Business Administration Section team members and Division technical personnel on assigned tasks
• Provide backup support to the Section business teams during periods of high demand

Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled at least half‑time at an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field
• Must be available to work 20 hours per week
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work with and interpret data
• Demonstrated interest in both business strategy and technical implementation (e.g., coursework, projects, or prior experience)
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly present ideas, findings, and recommendations
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment
• Must have a Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data analysis, visualization, or dashboard development (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau, or similar tools)
• Familiarity with workflow automation or low‑code/no‑code platforms (e.g., Power Automate, Power Apps, or similar)
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data (e.g., Excel, databases, or basic scripting such as Python)
• Interest in business development, strategy, or project/program support within a technical organization
• Experience preparing presentations, reports, or briefing materials for stakeholders
• Familiarity with collaboration and content platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar environments)

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.

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. Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth‑orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system. Today JPL continues its world‑leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space‑based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance. Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.