NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology

Associate Director, Data and Academic Systems

Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years in a complex professional systems environment.
  • Solid management experience with enterprise database systems, especially Oracle technologies.
  • Expertise in data warehousing and solutions like Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC).
  • Proficient in supporting Linux systems within AWS cloud environments.
  • Proven track record in leading technical teams and complex ERP systems.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure and VM-based environments.

Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and oversight for enterprise database systems, specifically Oracle eBusiness Suite on AWS.
  • Manage institutional database platforms, ensuring data integrity and performance.
  • Oversee Linux-based academic systems infrastructure in AWS for research and academic needs.
  • Lead and develop a technical team managing database and analytics infrastructure.
  • Ensure compliance with data governance and security standards.
  • Collaborate with Windows infrastructure teams for system integration.
  • Establish strategic initiatives for system modernization and hybrid infrastructure design.
  • Monitor system performance to drive continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement savings plans.
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • Parental leave and bereavement time included.
  • Tuition reimbursement for further education and skill development.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

The Associate Director for Data and Academic Systems is a part of the Infrastructure and Data Services (IDS) and provides leadership and oversight for the Institute's enterprise data platforms and academic computing systems. This position is responsible for the ongoing management, strategic direction, administration, and continuous improvement of critical systems supporting administrative operations, analytics, and academic initiatives.

The role requires a combination of deep hands-on technical expertise and strong managerial leadership to ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of the database, data infrastructure, and academic systems, while fostering collaboration across infrastructure and application teams.

This is an Organizational Critical position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as organizational critical is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible to assist in division/department response and recovery efforts.
Essential Job Duties
  • Provide leadership and rigorous operational oversight for enterprise database systems, most notably Oracle eBusiness Suite (ERP) environment deployed in AWS.
  • Manage and support institutional database platforms, including the data warehouse and Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC), ensuring data integrity, availability, and performance.
  • Oversee Linux-based academic systems infrastructure deployed in AWS, supporting research and institute's academic needs.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of technical staff responsible for database, data warehouse and data analytics infrastructure in addition to academic systems support.
  • Ensure infrastructure standards and compliance for data governance and security in alignment with institutional policies and best practices.
  • Collaborate with the Windows infrastructure (on-prem VMware) team to ensure alignment and integration across heterogeneous computing environments.
  • Establish strategic planning initiatives that include system modernization, and hybrid infrastructure design and integration.
  • Monitor system performance and implement continuous improvements to enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • At least 10 years' experience with professional systems in a highly complex organization.
  • Significant experience in managing enterprise database systems, with demonstrated expertise in Oracle technologies, including Oracle eBusiness ERP.
  • Experience with data warehousing and analytics platforms, including Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC).
  • Proven experience supporting Linux systems in a cloud environment, preferably AWS.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and complex enterprise systems (ERP).
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure and Windows-based virtual infrastructure environments.
  • Strong understanding of information security, system architecture, and enterprise IT best practices including ITIL and ServiceNow.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience working in a higher education or research-intensive environment.
  • Previous Finance/Payroll/Student/Fundraising Systems experience
  • Experience with hybrid and multi-cloud architectures.
  • Experience with Enterprise Job Scheduler software
  • Experience with Oracle ERP and Oracle Analytics Cloud
  • Demonstrated success in leading large-scale system implementations or upgrades.


Hiring Range

$216,400 - $250,000 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

About NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a federally funded research and development center located in Pasadena, California. It is managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for NASA. JPL is responsible for the design, development, and operation of robotic spacecraft and instruments used for space exploration. The laboratory has been involved in many historic missions, including the Mars rovers, Voyager missions, and the recent Juno mission to Jupiter. JPL has a strong focus on research and development, with a large number of scientists and engineers working on cutting-edge technologies. The laboratory also has partnerships with several universities and research institutions, providing opportunities for collaboration and education.
Learn more about NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology
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