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 opportunity is part of the Mechanical and Control Systems Division (3500), which engages in research, technology development, and the creation of advanced mechanical, robotics, guidance & control, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems. We develop hardware and systems from early architecture through design, fabrication, subsystem and system-level integration and test.

As a Level II Material and Processes Technologist, you will be working for the Thermal, Propulsion, and Materials Engineering Section (353), which provides leadership and unique world-class expertise in a wide range of technologies and technical discipline areas, including chemical and electric propulsion, thermal, materials, contamination control, analytical chemistry, and multiphase flow. This section is responsible for design, analysis, fabrication, testing, integration, and operations of thermal and propulsion flight systems for JPL missions. This section is also responsible for providing materials and process engineering, contamination control engineering, materials testing, and analytical chemistry support to technology and flight programs. You will be a member of the Materials & Processes, Testing & Development Group (353M) and will report to the Group Supervisor. 

We are seeking an adaptable, high-energy professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced setting and is comfortable navigating ambiguity. The ideal candidate possesses a risk-tolerant mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities to innovate, and excels in an evolving environment where decisiveness and agility are key to our collective success.

Responsibilities

• Work independently on moderately complex materials engineering activities in day-to-day assignments under minor supervision; receiving instructions on new assignments.
• Research, propose, and lead the capture of new materials development opportunities.
• Support materials and processing in all phases of the hardware design, manufacture, integration and test, and Assembly, Test and Launch Operations (ATLO) activities.
• Work in a dynamic, critical, development test lab environment in JPL’s Materials Testing Laboratories service department.
• Provide materials laboratory support for thermal vacuum testing, surface preparation, adhesive bonding, metallography, and more as needed
• Partner with engineers to draft and execute sample testing plans.
• Interface with project engineers and scientists to achieve a seamless blending of engineering/science interface.
• Provide work direction to other personnel or part-time students, as needed.
• Partner with engineers to generate engineering and fabrication requirements, as needed.
• Exercise judgment in applying applicable policies, procedures and practices to new situations to determine appropriate action.
• Consult with others as needed and participate on teams within and outside of our own organization.

Required (Minimum) Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related technical discipline with a minimum of 3 years of related experience; Master's degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 1 year of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines.
• Familiarity with the equipment, tools, and processes typical in a materials lab and how to use them, for instance for mechanical test, metallography, microscopy, adhesive bonding, and failure analysis.
• Experience writing, reviewing, or supporting science research grants and/or proposals.
• Ability to communicate clearly while working in a team environment to achieve a common goal.
• Knowledge of industry practices and standards, with a particular focus on the fabrication, qualification, and testing of materials and/or mechanical hardware.
• Good working knowledge of Word, Power Point, Excel and other standard computer office tools.

Desired (Preferred) Skills 

• Relevant experience in the aerospace industry.
• Have active TS/SCI with POLY.
• Experience with testing mechanical hardware and/or materials characterization coupons, including test planning, execution, and/or data evaluation.
• Experience with fabricating metallography coupons and evaluating surfaces using microscopic techniques – optical, Scanning Electron, and otherwise.
• Experience with electronic circuits, strain gages, Wheatstone bridge sensors, thermocouples, linear variable differential transformers, pressure gages and transducers.
• Previous experience generating reports and/or presentations related to testing and experimentation.
• Previous experience with spacecraft or scientific instrument materials or mechanical development activities.
• Experience with utilizing Generative AI in support of technical science and engineering activities; including writing relevant prompts and evaluating outputs and sources to understand validity of results.
• Experience interfacing with vendors, subcontractors, or University partners developing complex hardware, for space applications preferred.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with multiple customers.

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.

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 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.