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.

Responsibilities:

The Flight Software and Systems Engineering Section  delivers end-to-end flight system and flight software engineering across all mission phases.

The section provides leadership in information systems engineering, autonomous behaviors and fault protection, advanced flight software architectures, embedded systems, EDL systems, and project V&V. Its responsibilities include planning, requirements development, architecture definition, integration, modeling, analysis, ATLO support, and mission operations.

The Fault Protection and Autonomous Behaviors Group ensures the technical integrity of systems by performing cross-cutting systems engineering functions for off-nominal behaviors and events. Fault protection engineers are responsible for the protective mechanisms that preserve system functionality in the presence of faults and are involved throughout project lifecycles.

The Europa Clipper spacecraft is currently in its Cruise operations phase where it will enter orbit around Jupiter in 2030 and make approximately 45 close flybys to the Jovian moon, Europa. Using a suite of instruments, Europa Clipper will seek to confirm evidence of a subsurface water ocean which may have conditions that are favorable for life.

We are seeking an inquisitive and highly motivated Fault Protection Systems Engineer I to join the Europa Clipper systems and fault protection teams to provide operations support for the Europa Clipper project, reporting to the Europa Clipper Fault Protection and Systems Lead.

You will be expected to support spacecraft operations during the Cruise phase of the mission for both nominal and off-nominal activities and events. You will be expected to identify and solve complex open-ended problems with curiosity and dedication.

Your tasks include but are not limited to:

• Evaluating telemetry from the spacecraft for expected behaviors and any unexpected deviations in performance
• Providing an assessment of the spacecraft and fault protection systems at operational status meetings
• Reviewing operations products from a systems and fault protection perspective
• Providing analysis and test support for planned and unplanned activities during the Cruise phase
• Providing V&V support for flight software updates
• Updating operational procedures, contingency plans and activity products
• Updating operational trending and data analysis tools
• Investigating strategic tools and processes for the Cruise and Tour phases

You will work independently and within a team environment, collaborating with others on tasks performed across a spectrum of disciplines and will need to have excellent writing and presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline with a minimum of 1 year of related work experience, or Master’s degree in a similar discipline with 0 year of related work experience.
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: systems engineering, aerospace engineering, fault protection
• Knowledge of the function and operation of spacecraft systems, subsystems, and instruments
• Understanding the principles, theories, concepts, designs, analyses, and techniques in autonomous space systems and fault protection
• Be a self-motivated individual who can work independently and in a team environment
• Must have excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in spacecraft system design, fault protection, V&V and operations
• Ability to understand complex autonomous software behaviors and their intent
• Ability to handle multiple issues, tasks and priorities concurrently
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills
• Software development experience and proficiency in scripting
  

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.

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

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 U.S. Citizens, 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.