Business Administrator II

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible schedule

Rideshare

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a Business Administrator II to support budgeting, financial planning, data analysis, reporting, workforce administration and facilities management across the organization.

You will collaborate with the Section Business Manager and partners to develop automated reports, dashboards and metrics, maintain websites and databases, and ensure compliant, high‑quality administrative services in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field; 3+ years of related experience.
• Strong skills in MS Office and familiarity with Workday.
• Ability to present complex findings clearly using graphics and tables.
• Experience with financial planning, budgeting, and workforce administration.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Section Business Manager with budgeting and financial planning.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly financial analyses and reports.
• Develop automated reports, dashboards, and business metrics.
• Maintain internal and external websites and databases.
• Collaborate with customers and partners to improve efficiency.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Data analysis

MS Office

Workday

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline

Master’s degree in similar disciplines

Tools

Oracle Financials

Power BI

IBT

OBIEE Analytics

Data Extractor

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:

The Ground Software & System Engineering Section (343) seeks a Business Administrator to support the administrative duties of an organization that provides end to end expertise in the architecture, design, implementation, and operation of Ground Data Systems (GDS) and Deep Space Network (DSN) Data Services. The section delivers the critical software and computer engineering capabilities that enable spacecraft commanding, telemetry processing, and the reliability of the communication links connecting Earth to assets in Deep and Near Space.

We are seeking a highly professional, self‑motivated individual to serve as Business Administrator II. 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 7343 Ground Software & Systems Engineering Business Administration Team, you will report to the Section Business Manager.

• 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.
• 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.
• Maintaining the Section’s internal and external website and repository databases.
• Exercising sound judgment and discretion in evaluating solutions to business challenges.
• Eventually serving as backup to the Section Business Manager for specified functions.
• Performing ad hoc duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of related experience; Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 1 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.) and familiarity with Workday.
• Must be a self‑starter with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with proven track record to plan, prioritize, multi‑task, complete assignments, and resolve highly complex issues independently and in a team environment.
• Successful history of establishing trust with customers and working as a strong, collaborative business partner with all levels of personnel, and an ability to effectively lead teams.
• Must have the ability to use tact and discretion when working with critical or confidential data.
• Must have excellent communication, training, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative processes for hiring foreign nationals and familiarity with immigration statuses.
• Strong professional characteristics: dependable, responsible, attention to detail, hardworking, intellectually curious individual who takes initiative and ownership of work.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully under pressure on multiple tasks, meet time commitments and deliver high‑quality work products.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills, integrity and customer service.

Preferred Skills:

• Broad administrative experience in the areas of financial analysis, budgeting, cost analysis, asset management, workforce planning, and human resources.
• Proven ability to navigate changing project scenarios and life cycle cost.
• Experience with ORACLE financials and requisition modules, as well as 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.

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 typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$87,360 - $121,992

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.