Business Administrator Academic Part Time (APX)

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

12d•$21 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

As an Academic Part-Time Undergraduate Student (APX), the Business Administrator supports business operations for JPL’s Flight Reliability Assurance and Component Engineering, Technology & Assurance Offices (7012). The organization conducts research, advances technology, and develops mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems. The role provides hands-on experience in financial management, analytical assessments, forecasting, trend analysis, workforce planning, acquisitions, facilities, and property management. The student assists with monthly and quarterly reports and develops skills presenting findings to section and division management. Other work includes opening and maintaining service orders, managing routers and uploads, troubleshooting failed transactions, collaborating with teams to improve business processes, and completing ad hoc section assignments. The position is based at JPL in Pasadena, California, and is available to an undergraduate student for 8 to 30 hours per week while school is in session.

Requirements

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.
Available to work 8 to 30 hours per week while school is in session.
Foundational knowledge in one or more of 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 ability to interact professionally with personnel at all organizational levels.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Prepare standard procurement requisitions and reconcile purchase order costs to support accurate supplier payments.
Identify, implement, and routinely evaluate effective, cost-efficient business practices to improve operational efficiency and process effectiveness.
Plan, organize, and execute assigned tasks; monitor performance and communicate status updates within the assigned area.
Ensure services meet internal and external customer requirements with accuracy, responsiveness, and professionalism.
Support administrative activities involving logistics, acquisitions, shipping, and finance across Laboratory organizations.
Maintain, compile, organize, and prepare reports, records, and other documentation; assist with organizational projects and information gathering.
Generate and prepare standard reports using software applications to support business operations, financial analysis, and management decision-making.
Scan inventory items and maintain accurate inventory records in manual or electronic databases.
Help resolve operational issues, establish priorities, coordinate activities, and support other business and administrative assignments.
Assist with monthly and quarterly reporting and develop the ability to present findings to section and division management.
Open and maintain service orders; manage routers and uploads; troubleshoot failed transactions.
Collaborate with teams to improve business processes and support ad hoc section assignments.