Traffic Administrator III

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 89,752 - 114,608; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare support

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks a Traffic Administrator III to manage complex domestic and international freight movements supporting NASA missions and Lab operations. The role requires expertise in multimodal transport, hazmat handling, EAR/ITAR, and strategic carrier management to resolve issues, streamline workflows, and ensure regulatory compliance.

As a lead and technical expert, you will mentor staff, advise project teams on shipment schedules and constraints, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years directly related experience; or Master’s with 4+ years; or Ph.D. with 2+ years.
• Comprehensive expertise in U.S. and international shipping regulations, including hazardous materials (49 CFR, IATA DG, IMDG).
• Ability to analyze vendor/route/performance metrics and advise on vendor costs vs. SLAs.
• Proficiency with shipping/logistics software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for senior management and partners.

Responsibilities

• Resolve highly complex domestic, international, and multimodal shipments and prepare end-to-end documentation including hazmat clearance.
• Apply EAR/ITAR knowledge to export/import controls and manage licenses/exemptions and ATA Carnet duties.
• Coordinate air transport of spacecraft and high-value flight hardware with DoD aircraft to global destinations and launch facilities.
• Interpret laws, NASA policies, and lab procedures for shipping logistics operations.
• Audit carrier costs and performance; analyze data to optimize routing and supplier contracts.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff, and advise on shipment schedules and constraints.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Verbal and written communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, business administration, operations management, or related field

Master’s degree in related field

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Enterprise shipping/logistics software

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 Facilities and Logistics Operations Division (6400) ensures the physical development, maintenance, and safe operation of JPL’s infrastructure to support resilient systems and mission success. Within this division, the Logistics & Operations Planning Section (643) drives Lab‑wide logistics operations, spanning asset control, material movement, inventory management, and technical services in metrology and flight hardware support.

We are seeking a Traffic Administrator III to join the Shipping, Receiving & Mail Services Group (643C). In this position, you will manage complex domestic and international freight movements supporting critical NASA missions and Laboratory operations. This role leverages advanced expertise in multimodal transport, hazmat handling, EAR/ITAR export controls, and strategic carrier management to resolve operational issues, streamline logistics workflows, and ensure regulatory compliance. As a lead and technical expert, your contributions will directly impact institutional efficiency, risk mitigation, and overall mission execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Resolve highly complex domestic, international, and multimodal shipments by evaluating item specifications, determining applicable regulatory frameworks, and preparing end-to-end documentation (including hazardous materials clearance).
• Apply advanced knowledge of Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to prepare import/export control certifications, handle licensing/exemptions, and manage Temporary Admission (ATA Carnet) "Passport for Goods" activities and tracking logs.
• Interface with NASA centers, U.S. Space Command, and military bases to coordinate the air transport of spacecraft and high‑value flight hardware via Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft (e.g., C-17, C-5, C-130) to global destinations and launch facilities.
• Interpret international and federal laws, NASA policies and regulations, and Laboratory procedures that govern shipping and logistics operations.
• Audit carrier costs and performance. Conduct in‑depth analysis of vendor and route data to evaluate efficiency, manage risks, and recommend the continuation or adjustment of vendor contracts.
• Identify and implement logistics cost‑saving opportunities through optimized routing, mode selection, freight consolidation, and carrier scheduling, while balancing carrier costs against performance metrics.
• Recommend and partner across disciplines to implement corrective actions for complex coordination and consolidation challenges in domestic and international shipments.
• Lead project activities, function as an essential team member on cross‑organizational initiatives, and mentor/coach staff inside and outside the organization.
• Advise project teams, customers, and management on complex incoming/outbound shipment schedules, technical logistics constraints, and compliance requirements.
• Develop and deliver training on shipping software applications, regulatory requirements, institutional operational procedures, and industry best practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Typically requires bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field with 6 years of directly related experience; master’s degree with 4 years of related experience; or Ph.D. with 2 years of related experience.
• Comprehensive expertise in U.S. and international shipping regulations, including hazardous materials transportation (49 CFR, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, IMDG Code), customs clearance procedures, EAR, and ITAR.
• Proven ability to analyze complex vendor, route, and performance metrics, evaluate carrier costs against service level agreements, and formulate data‑driven vendor recommendations.
• Proficiency with enterprise shipping/logistics management software and Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on key assignments with limited direction, exercising discretion and critical thinking to resolve complex operational challenges.
• Track record of leading multidisciplinary teams or project activities, setting performance standards, and guiding colleagues through complex workflows.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proven capability to present, validate, and analyze complex information for senior management, external industry partners, and government agencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), or government contracting environments supporting NASA or DoD space flight hardware operations.
• Direct experience handling specialized JPL/NASA flight hardware handling and transportation standards.
• Strong understanding of Laboratory policies, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations applicable to shipping.
• Proven track record of contributing to the development or revision of organizational logistics policies, traffic management procedures, or institutional best practices.

Note:

Note: The nature of this work may require occasional non‑standard hours to meet critical project deadlines and support operational requirements.

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.

$89,752 - $114,608

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.