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.

Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958.
 
JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system.
 
Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance.
 
Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.

Project Discovery Reentry Program Description

JPL understands that we all have different life and career journeys, and we invite you to make us your next step. The Project Discovery reentry program marks the next milestone of inclusivity at JPL as a commitment to equitable career development and advancement opportunities. If you have taken a career break and are ready to return to work – this program is for you!

JPL and Project Discovery are part of the STEM Reentry Task Force, the groundbreaking career reentry initiative co-led by the Society of Women Engineers and iRelaunch.

The JPL Project Discovery Re-Entry program is looking for talented professionals who are looking to restart their careers after an absence from the workforce for one or more years. This paid one-year returnship role will enable you to work on projects that match your expertise, interests and abilities and could lead to full-time employment. During the returnship program you will have the opportunity to update your skills in a contemporary work environment. You will have access to the latest tools and technologies available and work alongside multidisciplinary teams to hone your expertise and deliver on client-critical solutions. You’ll be able to experience the breadth of JPL resources while developing new skills and building new relationships.

Note: As a temporary position, this assignment may last up to 12-months.  However, please note that you are not under any employment contract and your temporary employment status can be terminated at any time, with or without notice. 

Job Description:

You will be a member of the Ground Data System (GDS) Integration and Test Group as a Software Systems Engineer III and be responsible for verifying and validating mission ground system software, supporting test events for Mission Operation System/Ground Data System (GDS) Operation. This is a position for a multi-disciplined engineer who is customer-focused, communicates well, and work well independently and within a team environment.

You will work under the mentorship of team lead to perform the following:

• Support software system process activities

• Code/script to automate regression test, test reporting, test simulation tools, testbed system monitoring tools.

• Conduct system level testing of the GDS software, manual and/or automated

• Contributing to team documentation, including training guide

• Support project users to investigate and resolve technical ground system issues

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical subject area with at least 3 years of related experience; Master's degree with at least 1 year of related experience.

• Experience with software architecture practices and extensive experience in the integration and deployment of large scale and highly complex software systems.

• Multidisciplinary expertise in the application and development of principles, theories and concepts in the software system operations.

• Ability to meet commitments to produce quality products through prioritization.

• Extensive experience with a coding/scripting language(s), preferably python or shell script

• Strong knowledge working with Unix/Linux environment

• Experience with test automation practices and tools

• Experience working with software configuration management tools (such as GIT, SVN, AccuRev, CVS, JIRA)

• Experience in writing training documents and conducting software systems operations training.

• Strong analytical skills with problem-solving experience

• Collaboration skills with all levels of institutional and operations personnel.

• Strong communications skills including writing and reviewing technical operations documentation

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with internal and external program leadership, as well as peers.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of JPL policies and procedures, as well as government regulations across a range of applications.

• Experience in test management practices, including identification and interpretation of test metrics

• Knowledge with cybersecurity testing

• Experience with automated tests using frameworks and tools, such as RobotFramework, TestNG, Selenium, Watir, TestComplete

• Experience with industry software test management tool (such as TestRail, qTest)

• Experience with AWS, cloud platform

• Experience with docker container and software deployment

• Experience using one or more continuous integration tools such as Bamboo, Hudson, Jenkins, GitLab

• Experience using a requirements management systems such as DOORs

• Highly motivated and self-starting, ability to work well in a team environment.

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. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$112,070 - $122,304

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.

EEO is the Law Supplement

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.