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 Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is NASA’s lead center for robotic space exploration. Our core proficiency is the end-to-end implementation of unprecedented robotic space missions to study Earth, the Solar System, and the Universe.

This opportunity is within the Autonomous Systems Division, responsible for technology development, advanced concepts, design, development, delivery, integration and test, verification and validation, and operation of Command and Data Handling (C&DH) Hardware, Flight Software, Power Systems, Robotic Systems, and Guidance and Control.  The opportunity is being offered by the Embedded Robotic Systems Group within the Mobility and Robotics Systems Section.

Wanted: A Robotics Electrical Engineer who is passionate about supporting the development of robotic systems, including actuator electronics and motor control algorithms, sensor subsystems, avionics & flight subsystems, electronics & test equipment, power electronics, and data-handling subsystems. We develop, design, engineer, fabricate, package, program and analyze climbing/roving/flying robots, robotic arms, testbeds, and ground support equipment (GSE) for terrestrial and space systems.  The systems you will work on span the range of early technology development, to verification and validation of flight systems relative to project requirements. Every project is part of something remarkable, and you always play a key role.  Our work is many things, but never, ever boring.

Responsibilities in Robotics Electrical Engineering include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Robotic Actuation and Sensing
• Robotic Vehicles and Manipulators
• Robotic Systems Estimation, Decision, and Control
• Electronics and Electromagnetics for Robotic Mobility
• Electronics and Electromagnetics for Robotic Manipulation and Sampling
• FPGA Engineering for Robotic Systems
• Computer Vision
• Maritime and Aerial Perception Systems
• Robot Operations

Potential work includes both research and flight projects such as:

• Mars Sample Return Lander
• Mars Sample Recovery Helicopters
• Mars Sample Return Capture/Contain, and Return System
• Robotic Arm Technology demonstration mission for the Moon
• Collaborative Robotics demonstration mission for the Moon
• Europa and Enceladus Sampling Concepts
• Mine exploration and rescue robots
• Autonomous surface and underwater vehicles
• Climbing robots
• Unmanned aerial vehicles

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering or related engineering major with typically a minimum of 3 years of related experience, or Master’s degree in similar disciplines with typically a minimum of 1 year of experience, or Ph.D. in similar disciplines.

• General knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field.

• Experience with System V&V (Verification and Validation) or I&T (Integration and Test) of electronics for space flight projects.

• Experience with electrical circuit design and analysis, printed circuit board design, electronic systems integration, and test and verification of electronic circuits and assemblies.

• Experience in the design, implementation, and verification of Electrical Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for development and flight testbeds.

• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively in a team environment.

• Ability to detail, document, and communicate work performed through verbal and written means.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with design tools including analog circuit design tools, IC design (SPICE, Mentor Graphics), power design (PLECS), and/or printed circuit board design/signal integrity (Altium, Hyperlynx)
• Experience with actuator control and characterization methods.
• Experience with hardware design tools for FPGA design and programming (Verilog)
• Demonstrated experience in testbed or flight hardware testing.

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.

$109,408 - $139,672

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.

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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.