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 Information Governance and Compliance Office is seeking a level IV Process Improvement & Compliance Leader. In this dynamic role you will plan and implement a major component of JPL’s AS9100 program (e.g. Internal Assessment, Corrective Action, or Continuous Improvement), leading activities that touch many departments at JPL. We’re looking for someone that is passionate about improving HOW people work.

Your responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Planning and conducting multi-functional assessments for technical and non-technical processes, identifying the resulting nonconformances and opportunities for improvement, and advising process owners.

• Facilitating/leading continuous improvement efforts utilizing Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques and partnering with subject matter experts, engineers, and functional managers in the design and analysis of processes to identify process improvements.

• Partnering with process owners, engineers, subject matter experts, and managers to complete root cause analyses and developing plans for the closure of corrective actions.

• Collaborating with process owners to design, develop, and implement improved business processes and support systems, and establishing performance measures to monitor process execution. 

• Leading the internal certification program to develop in-house expertise for Lean Six Sigma. 

• Evaluating and reporting on status to executive management and governing councils.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 9 years of related audit/continual improvement experience; or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of related audit/continual improvement experience; or a PhD with a minimum 5 years of related audit/continual improvement experience.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience applying Quality Management System (QMS) principles across multiple AS9100 elements, including auditing, corrective action, and continuous improvement.

• AS9100 Certified Lead Auditor 

• LEAN Six Sigma training/certification (ASQ preferred) 

• Experience developing business case rationale and justification for operational improvement projects. 

• Experience developing strategies to identify and address systemic process issues across organizational and functional boundaries.

• Proficiency with project management principles and experience managing scope, schedule, communications, risk and quality. 

• Experience building relationships with multiple levels of personnel, including peers, managers, and key customers/suppliers. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Statistical analysis experience and skills, especially in the context of process evaluation and improvement.

• Experience using Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Preferred Skills

• Experience in Aerospace Design, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Integration and Test, Verification and Validation, and Continual Improvement. 

• Change Management Certification (e.g., ProSci or similar certification)

• Experience using Jira

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.

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.