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 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. 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, then you are ready for JPL.

This unique opportunity is part of the Autonomous Systems Division, which is 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. Our enthusiastic multi-disciplinary workforce originates and executes robotics technology development and space flight projects for terrestrial and planetary exploration applications.

The Robotics Modeling and Simulation Group provides engineering and technology leadership within JPL in the development of component, sub-systems, and system-level models for simulation of autonomy of complex dynamic systems relevant to JPL missions which include: concept, design, implementation, deployment, testing, and operation, and encompasses expertise in all aspects of integrated modeling and simulation.

Wanted: A Robotics Technologist to join our Robotic Modeling and Simulation (RMS) group with a range of skills related to the modeling, design, development, integration, verification & validation, and operation of planetary robotic systems. The RMS group provides analysis, and modeling and simulation capabilities for robotics systems.

Responsibilities:

This Robotics Technologist II/III will be responsible for performing modeling and simulation (M&S) development, guidance and control (G&C) engineering analyses, developing, testing, and implementing vehicle dynamics models, algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C), software development, and related planning and proposals for future planetary mission activities. This will include: Terrain-vehicle interaction for flight projects; Mars 2020 rover mission; Europa Lander mission; distributed robotics applications; development of M&S technologies for possible future missions such as for comet sample return; and Support development of advanced models, simulations, and analysis for multiple NASA and non-NASA customers.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelors in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or other related discipline with 3+ years of related experience; Masters with 1+ years of related experience; OR PhD;

• Completed coursework with exposure to standard principles, theories, concepts and techniques in system dynamics, structural mechanics, feedback control systems, and estimation.

• Knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following areas: terrestrial and planetary robotics, multibody dynamics, structural mechanics, computational methods, mechanics of materials, dynamics and vibration, continuum and discrete-element mechanics, guidance, control and estimation.

• Knowledge and experience with Matlab, Python, Julia, C++ programming is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working experience in one or more of the following areas: Space Systems, Robotics Systems/Subsystems, Mechanisms, Mechatronics, Perception, Motion Planning, Manipulation, and Robot Navigation/Controls/Operations.

• General understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts and numerical and experimental techniques in applied mechanics.

• General knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in engineering theoretical and experimental analyses, mathematical modeling and numerical simulation.

• Knowledge and experience with CAD and simulation software such as SolidWorks, ADAMS, Chrono::Engine, ROS.

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.

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.