Project Business Manager V - TS/SCI

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena seeks a Project Business Manager to act as the primary financial and operational partner for a high-priority technology portfolio. You will provide strategic financial foresight and act as a trusted advisor to project and executive leadership, guiding decisions and ensuring mission success.

Responsibilities include translating data into insights, leading budget and EVM, interfacing with customers and executives, guiding contract execution, and building

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance required.
• BS in Business Administration with 12+ years of experience; or MS with 10+ years; or PhD with 8+ years.
• Proven leadership: experience leading multifunctional organizations and directing staff.
• Deep experience in full lifecycle of complex technical projects (formulation & implementation).
• Expert-level proficiency in Earned Value Management (EVM), cost estimation, pricing, and project controls.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex financial data into actionable intelligence and scenario modeling for leadership.
• Lead cost and schedule accountability, including budget formulation and EVM.
• Serve as the primary business liaison between the project, customer, and executive management.
• Oversee execution of complex task orders to ensure contractual alignment and standards.
• Lead and inspire a diverse team of business professionals.

Skills

Security clearance

Leadership

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Cost estimation & pricing

Project controls

Aerospace/defense domain knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Master's degree in Business Administration

PhD in Business Administration

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.

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.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is seeking a Project Business Manager

to serve as the primary financial and operational partner for a high-priority portfolio of technology tasks. In this role, you are more than a budget manager, you are a critical advisor to the Project Manager and executive leadership. You will provide the financial intelligence and strategic foresight necessary to navigate the complexities of cutting‑edge technology development and ensure the success of missions that expand the boundaries of human knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Decision Support: You will translate complex financial data into actionable intelligence, developing “what-if” scenarios and resource models that allow leadership to make informed decisions.
• Financial Stewardship: You will lead all cost and schedule accountability, including budget formulation and Earned Value Management (EVM). You won’t just report variances; you will identify the "why" and partner with technical leads to implement corrective actions.
• Executive Interface: You will serve as the primary business liaison between the project, the customer, and executive management, ensuring transparency, trust, and alignment on project health and risk.
• Contractual Guidance: You will oversee the execution of complex task orders, ensuring that business activities align with contractual requirements and institutional standards.
• Mentorship & Leadership: You will lead and inspire a diverse team of business professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and professional growth.

Required Qualifications

• Active Security Clearance: Must possess a current TS/SCI security clearance.
• BS in Business Administration (or similar) with a minimum of 12 years of experience; or a Master's in Business Administration (or similar) with a minimum of 10 years of experience; or a PhD in Business Administration (or similar) with a minimum of 8 years of experience.
• Proven Leadership: Extensive experience leading multifunctional organizations and directing staff to achieve measurable results.
• Project Lifecycle Mastery: Deep experience in the full lifecycle of complex technical projects (specifically the formulation and implementation phases), preferably within the aerospace or defense sectors.
• Expert‑level proficiency in Earned Value Management (EVM), cost estimation, pricing, and project controls.
• A demonstrated ability to