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.

This unique opportunity is part of JPL's Mechanical Systems Engineering, Fabrication and Test Division which engages in research, technology development, and the creation of sophisticated mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems with expertise that spans the full breath of mechanical subject areas and is applied from architectural concept development through operations.

As a Mechatronics Engineer, you will work in the Payload and Small Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering Section, which is responsible for: (1) the structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems engineering of payloads and small spacecraft across all phases of the mission lifecycle and (2) developing science-enabling technology, and infusing it into flight missions. In this role, you will:

Invent, design, develop, test, and validate innovative technologies needed for future missions,
Dive into mechanisms, materials, and electronics: actuators, sensors, controllers, structures, and moving mechanical assemblies,
Develop plans based on technical exchanges with scientists, technical authorities, and program managers,
Support all mission phases (A through D) including hardware delivery of a multi-million dollar mechanical subsystems,
Work with a team of engineers, manufacturing specialists, and technicians,
Review and approve parts and service procurements,
Coordinate maintaining the cost, technical, schedule, and documentation compliance,
Monitor the technical progress and programmatic landmarks,
Report and present the progress and results of the technology development tasks,
Collaborate with project and other line managers in supporting engineering peer reviews and project reviews, and
Deliver robust technical solutions with unambiguous test data that validate space flight readiness.

Required Skills:

Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related subject area with a minimum of 3 years of related experience; Master's degree in similar subject areas with a minimum of 1 years of related experience; or PhD in similar subject areas.
Knowledge and experience in mechanical engineering and systems engineering with expertise in spacecraft and/or instrument mechatronics technology development or mechanical hardware design, development, integration, and test.
Understanding and translating higher level requirements into electro-mechanical hardware configurations and development plans.
Ability to plan work including integrating cost and schedules.
Experience working across organizations and subject areas, and with outside companies and vendors.
Familiar with negotiating skills and ability to work with contractors.
Excellent interpersonal skills (oral, written, and presentation).

Desired Skills:

Experience in mechanisms, actuators, sensors, and motor controller technologies.
Experience in the design and development of spacecraft electro-mechanical systems and test support equipment.
Experience with development and delivery of flight hardware including in-house development and contracted deliveries.
Experience with delivery of a high reliability hardware subsystem.
Knowledge and experience in electrical engineering and software development for embedded systems.
Knowledge of Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations across a range of applications.
Knowledge of JPL Flight Design Principles and Rules and lessons learned as related to mechanical systems.
Experience as part of an integration and test team.
Experience in risk management.
Experience and proven interest with training and mentoring engineering staff.
Familiarity with NASA and other government agencies and their relevant capabilities.

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 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.

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