Academic Part Time Intern

Location: JPL Campus, United States of America

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 Science, Implementation & Operations Business Administration Section is seeking an Academic Part Time Intern to work with the Business Administration team in supporting a range of administrative functions within the Division. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Science, Implementation, and Operations Division, which provides full-spectrum leadership in scientific research, formulation, systems engineering, mission design, and operations across the entire mission lifecycle!

The Intern will be a member of the Division Business Administration Office and will report directly to the Manager. The selected candidate will gain hands-on experience with many of JPL’s business processes, including asset and facilities management, human resources, workforce planning and forecasting, financial planning and reporting tools and processes, and other ad hoc assignments. Additionally, this intern will help translate business needs into practical, user-focused solutions—leveraging JPL’s collaborative and data platforms to build dashboards, automate workflows, and develop internal tools and sites that enable more efficient and informed decision-making across the portfolio (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Power BI, Power Automate/Power Apps, and SharePoint-based environments).

This internship reinforces a student’s academic foundations in business, data analytics, information systems, and technology through real-world applications while enabling them to build a portfolio of tangible work products such as dashboards, tools, sites, and automated workflows that demonstrate applied learning and can be showcased in future coursework or capstone projects. It strengthens technical proficiency with industry-standard enterprise tools, enhances analytical thinking through projects involving opportunity evaluation, data organization, and decision support, and develops collaboration skills by immersing the student in real business development workflows alongside professionals across multiple teams.

Tasks include but are not limited to

Working alongside team members to understand business development workflows, data needs, and opportunity lifecycle processes

Applying classroom knowledge to design and develop dashboards, trackers, and lightweight applications that support opportunity tracking and portfolio visibility

Gaining experience in process improvement by supporting the automation of manual workflows using appropriate tools

Learning how to organize and structure data from multiple sources to enable consistent reporting and analysis

Assisting in the development of internal team sites or knowledge-sharing platforms to improve information accessibility and usability

Collaborate with Business Administration Section team members and Division technical personnel on assigned tasks

Provide backup support to the Section business teams during periods of high demand

Qualifications

Must be currently enrolled at least half-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field

Must be available to work 20 hours per week

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with and interpret data Demonstrated interest in both business strategy and technical implementation (e.g., coursework, projects, or prior experience) Ability to work in a team environment

Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly present ideas, findings, and recommendations

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Must have a Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.

Preferred Skills

Experience with data analysis, visualization, or dashboard development (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools)

Familiarity with workflow automation or low-code/no-code platforms (e.g., Power Automate, Power Apps, or similar)

Experience working with structured and unstructured data (e.g., Excel, databases, or basic scripting such as Python)

Interest in business development, strategy, or project/program support within a technical organization

Experience preparing presentations, reports, or briefing materials for stakeholders

Familiarity with collaboration and content platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar environments)

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 hourly rate for this job in Pasadena, California depending on education level (undergrad) is $21.00 as a freshman, $22.50 as a sophomore, $24.50 as a junior, and $26.50 as a Senior

Rates may differ for graduate students pursuing a Master's or PhD.

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, lea