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 JPL Communications and Instruments Division perform scientific investigations, advanced technology research, engineering developments and system implementations encompassing space telecommunications, tracking and active remote sensing using electromagnetic waves.

The Flight Communications and Tracking Section (362) provides cost-effective space communications systems, software defined radios, high power RF amplifiers, and power supplies that support primary telecom subsystems and major radar and radiometer science payloads. The section also provides Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) flight equipment, radiometric science instruments, high stability frequency standards and clocks and seismometers for NASA/JPL missions.   In addition to flight hardware expertise, the section specializes in collection of and processing of worldwide, fixed site, GNSS data that is processed into clock, atmospheric, and ionospheric GNSS correction metrics.  The section also develops high stability frequency references and clocks for flight and ground applications. 

The Flight Communications & Tracking Section at JPL is looking for an Flight Software Engineer II to join their Communications Support Systems Group. The Group provides designs and develops state-of-the-art Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) that is customized for flight hardware integration and test at board, assembly, box, payload/subsystem, and spacecraft level integration and test (I&T).  Automated control of test equipment, for test sequencing, data collection and data analyses is standard practice.  The work includes commercial and custom-built test hardware as well as commercial and custom developed control and automation software.   The group is also expert in leading, planning, and performing informal and formal I&T for flight and non-flight tasks.   Beyond their EGSE and I&T expertise, group members cross charge to support circuit design, board layout, and software/firmware development for telecom, radiometric and general avionics flight hardware.   Members are expert in EMI/EMC prevention and mitigation

Tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Design and develop circuits used in electronic devices. 
• Responsible for integrated circuit or printed wiring board (PWB) design, device evaluation and characterization, circuit analysis, test and support equipment design, prototype construction and checkout.
• Design electronics subsystems and system architecture and develop requirements and specifications.
• Develop advanced technology for use in electronics components and systems.
• Perform software and/or firmware development for prototype through FM flight equipment.
• Prepare test methods and specifications; analyzes equipment to establish operating data and conducts experimental tests; provides final equipment approval and prepares documentation and user information manuals.
• Develop software and firmware for automation for controlling and sequencing of test equipment as well as collection and post processing of test data.    Development and test tools may include AI.
• Research, develop, design, and test electronic components, equipment, technology, systems and networks. 
• May include specifying, designing and testing for compatibility with applicable electromagnetic environments.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s in Electrical or Computer Engineering with a minimum of 3 years of related experience, Master’s in a related discipline with a minimum of 1 years of related experience, PhD in a related discipline with a minimum of 0 years of related experience.
• Familiarity with standard test equipment used for electrical and RF testing.
• Experience with programming for control of test equipment with software tools such as LabVIEW, Python, C, C++, etc.
• Experience with operating systems Windows, Linux and Bash Shell and Shell scripting.
• Experience with FPGA development tools and development boards

Preferred Skills:

• Computer and analytical skills necessary for microwave circuit design (AWR Microwave Office, ADS, PSpice, HFSS)
• Experience with developing hardware from concept to prototype to engineering model to field deployed/flight model stage with the goal to operate the hardware over multiple years in the relevant environment.  
• Experience with embedded software/firmware development on PolarFire, Xilinx, Altera, Zynq, Snapdragon, etc.
• Experience with mixed signal circuit board design, development and test including circuit analysis tools such as LTspice, and TINA-TI and board software tools such as OrCAD, Altium, and KiCad.  Designs can include microprocessors, FPGAs, SoCs, A/Ds, and D/As.
• Ability to assemble (both hands-on assembly and ability to work with assembly houses) and troubleshoot digital and microwave boards for impedance mismatches, parasitic coupling, grounding, and shielding issues, EMI/EMC, layout effects, and packaging imperfections using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes with high bandwidth probes, phase noise measurement systems.
• Experience with signal processing.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.

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.

$122,720 - $138,632

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.