Business Administrator Academic Part Time (APX)

California Institute Of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

Wellbeing

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning

Rideshare

Childcare

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Many more

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks an Academic Part-Time Undergraduate Student to assist Flight Reliability Assurance and Component Engineering offices. You will support procurement, budgeting, reporting, and financial analysis while gaining hands-on experience.

The role requires half-time enrollment, 8–30 weekly hours, and strong Microsoft Office skills; opportunity to learn in a federal contractor environment.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled at least half-time pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business/finance or related field.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Able to work 8–30 hours per week during school sessions.
• Foundational knowledge in business, finance, budgeting, or HR.
• Completed coursework in accounting principles, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support procurement and financial operations, including requisitions and cost reconciliation.
• Identify and implement efficient business practices to improve processes.
• Assist in planning, forecasting, and monitoring performance; report status to management.
• Maintain high standards of customer service and accurate data handling.
• Support administrative tasks across logistics, acquisitions, shipping, and finance.
• Generate standard reports to support financial analysis and decision-making.
• Maintain inventory records in manual or electronic systems.
• Help resolve operational issues and coordinate with teams as needed.

Skills

Procurement

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Budgeting

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field

GPA 3.0 on 4.0 scale

Half-time enrollment in undergraduate program

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

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.

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.

Hourly Rates

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.

Full Time Equivalent Annual Hiring Range

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $0 - $0 see information above

Benefits and Perks

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellbeing
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Learning
• Rideshare
• Childcare
• Flexible schedule
• Parental leave
• 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

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

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.

About JPL

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.