Project Business Manager V - TS/SCI

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 173,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision plans

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Rideshare program

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a Project Business Manager to serve as the primary financial and operational partner for a high-priority portfolio of technology tasks. You will provide financial intelligence and strategic foresight to guide decision-making and ensure mission success.

This role requires TS/SCI clearance, advanced degrees with extensive experience in EVM and cost controls.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience: BS with 12+ years, MS with 10+ years, or PhD with 8+ years.
• Proven leadership of multifunctional organizations.
• Deep experience in lifecycle of complex technical projects, aerospace/defense preferred.
• Expert-level Earned Value Management, cost estimation, pricing, and project controls.
• Ability to influence sponsors and partner with executive leadership under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Translate financial data into actionable intelligence and what-if scenarios.
• Lead cost and schedule accountability, including budget formulation and EVM.
• Serve as primary business liaison between project, customer, and executives.
• Oversee execution of complex task orders ensuring contractual alignment.
• Lead and inspire a diverse team of business professionals.

Skills

Security clearance TS/SCI

Leadership

EVM & cost estimation

Project controls

Stakeholder management

Financial analysis

Education

BS in Business Administration or similar

MBA in Business Administration or similar

PhD in Business Administration or similar

Job description

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 influence sponsors and to partner effectively with executive leadership under high-pressure conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience in Flight Project Business Management.
• Knowledge of NASA or federal government project management procedural requirements.
• Proven track record of managing complex subcontracts and multidisciplinary project planning.

Why Join JPL?

At JPL, you will apply your business expertise to some of the most challenging and rewarding projects on Earth (and beyond). We offer the opportunity to work at the forefront of discovery in an environment that values precision, innovation, and leadership. 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 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. $172,952 - $224,432

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.