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.

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 encourage 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, build, and encourage something, that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

With an unmatched history building groundbreaking advances in science and technology, JPL has been in the space exploration business since the beginning. We are 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 encourage passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward perfection.

Responsibilities:

The robotics section at JPL, the place where robots for planetary exploration are born! We engage in research, technology development, and the creation of sophisticated robotic hardware platforms and systems from architectural concept through operations.

Members of this team investigate, plan, build and develop robotic hardware for a wide variety of applications and environments. Robots developed by this team are built to operate from the ice expanses of the Arctic to the crushing depths of Earth’s oceans; from the hellish conditions of Venus, to Mars, to the frozen moons of Enceladus and Europa. Teams apply research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems for mobility, manipulation, and climbing; sensors; instruments; and controls.

EELS is a snake-like robot designed to explore internal and enclosed dynamic terrain structures in order to assess habitability and evidence for life. It consists of multiple, identical, segments containing both the actuation and propulsion mechanisms as well as the power and communication electronics to drive them. EELS uses first-of-a-kind rotating propulsion units that act as tracks, gripping mechanisms and propeller units underwater, enabling the robot to access a plume vent exit and follow it to its ocean source.

As a software intern on the EELS project, you will work on a variety of tasks to help the team with developing and testing the EELS prototype robot. These tasks may include development of control software, development of testbed software (ground tools to support operation of the testbed), and development of simulation infrastructure. You will also be closely involved with hands-on testing and debug of the EELS prototype.

Qualifications:

What it takes:

• Must be available to work at least 40 hours/week, for at least 10 weeks in Summer 2023 (longer duration is welcome up to 16 weeks).
• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelors, masters, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Robotics, or related technical field. Must be enrolled full time in school following the fall or spring term.
• Must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 out of a 4.0 GPA
• Strong software skills with Python or C++ required.
• Experience with UNIX environments
• Recently completed coursework or research providing an understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts and techniques in autonomous robotic systems.
• General knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in robotic systems.

What would help:

• Experience with robotic systems
• Experience with simulation of spacecraft flight hardware development
• Good verbal and written communications skills with ability to work 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.

$0 - $0 see information above

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.