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 Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis (FSP&A) Office seeks a highly analytical and strategic Financial Data Scientist III to translate complex financial and operational challenges into advanced models, actionable insights, and decision-enabling tools.

This role combines deep technical expertise, strong financial acumen and communication skills. The selected candidate will partner with the manager to shape data-driven strategies influencing near-term priorities and long-term institutional outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead advanced quantitative analysis, predictive modeling, and research design to support financial strategy.

• Translate complex datasets into clear, compelling visualizations and ready narratives that drive action.

• Develop and maintain integrated data platforms that establish a trusted, single source of truth.

• Define, monitor, and refine key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned to strategic and operational objectives.

• Build and manage driver-based financial models supporting budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.

• Conduct scenario, sensitivity, and optimization analyses to inform high-impact business decisions and resource allocation.

• Enhance budgeting processes, forecasting methodologies, and FSP&A systems to improve transparency, accuracy, and efficiency.

• Design and deploy sophisticated financial reporting solutions leveraging multiple data sources and advanced query tools.

• Apply emerging technologies and industry best practices to modernize financial analytics and decision support capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in similar discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience or a PhD in a similar discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

• Understanding of financial planning, business systems, organizational analysis, and applied analytics.

• Demonstrated expertise working with large, complex datasets, including data cleansing, transformation, validation, and quality management.

• Financial modeling, forecasting, scenario analysis, and optimization experience.

• Experience integrating data across multiple systems and relational databases.

• Strong judgment and discretion in high-visibility, sensitive environments.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building dashboards and automated reporting solutions.

• Proficiency in Python, SQL, SAS, Power BI, or comparable analytical platforms.

• Experience optimizing large-scale data workflows and analytics pipelines.

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives.

• Knowledge of Laboratory policies and procedures.

• Strong critical thinking, strategic planning, and complex problem-solving capabilities.

• Demonstrated innovation mindset with experience leveraging digital technologies to solve complex business challenges.

• Ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with adaptability and resilience.

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.

$136,344 - $182,624

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.

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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.