Job Details

This unique opportunity is part of the Mechanical Systems Engineering, Fabrication and Test Division which engages in research, technology development, and the creation of advanced mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems with expertise that spans the full breath of mechanical disciplines and is applied from architectural concept development through operations.

As an Environmental Development Technician, you will be working for Mechanical Fabrication & Test Section which maintains technical support facilities and resources that provide the services required to fabricate, assemble, and test electro-mechanical developmental and flight hardware. This Section develops and matures equipment and technologies, which enable and enhance our fabrication and environmental test capability for current and future missions.

Some Challenges You Will Tackle:

• Prepare, configure, and support thermal test equipment including small and large vacuum chambers
• Assist with setup and operation of vacuum and thermal chambers
• Install, route, and verify thermocouples and other temperature sensors.
• Troubleshoot vacuum, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems
• Perform chamber leak checks, pump-down operations and system readiness checks
• Monitor thermal vacuum testing and respond to test anomalies or out of limit conditions
• Support test article installation, chamber closeout, and post-test hardware removal
• Perform routine chamber maintenance and repairs
• Coordinate with engineers and other technicians to prepare for environmental testing
• xenon arc lamp handling
• Solar Simulator operations
• Cryo pump rebuilding
• Follow test procedures, safety requirements, and contamination control practices with working with critical hardware
• Work safely around flight hardware following ESD, cleanroom, and critical item handling requirements.
• Fabricate, terminate, label, route, and troubleshoot instrumentation and signal cables supporting vibration, acoustic, shock, and modal testing.

******IMPORTANT******* This position, because of its associated job duties, has been determined by JPL to be safety-sensitive as defined in JPL's Drug Free Workplace Requirement. An employee holding this position will be subject to periodic, unannounced, random drug testing. Please refer to JPL's Drug Free Workplace Requirement for more information. Candidates who are hired into designated safety-sensitive positions will be included in a pool from which individuals are randomly selected to participate in the unannounced drug testing.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a High School diploma with a minimum of 8 years of related experience; or an Associates degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 1 years of related experience; and related required training.
• Experience with the use of LN2, GN2, and the design, assembly and fabrication or maintenance of pressure systems
• Experience operating and maintaining Vacuum Chambers
• Experience operating solar simulator
• Experience handling xenon arc lamps
• Experience operating and maintaining small shakers
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and test procedures.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills for instrumentation, electrical systems, and thermal vacuum test equipment.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment with the appropriate gloves, hat, booties, smock etc. in support of flight hardware testing.
• Ability to be available to work day and night shifts, overtime, weekends, and/or holidays, as needed.

Got These? Even Better

• Experience operating and maintaining acoustic chambers, tunable shock beams, and mass properties machines
• Knowledge of Electro Static Discharge (ESD) hazards and awareness, Foreign Object Debris (FOD) management, hazard communication, cleanroom protocols and personnel protective equipment, Job Safety Analysis, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and handling of critical flight hardware and testing equipment.
• Fall restraint knowledge and experience
• Knowledge of fabrication of thermal couples, the operation of multi-meters, signal generators, and digital data management equipment and the repair and calibration of instrumentation equipment, spot welding equipment for instrumentation assembly and repair.
• Experience in handling/plumbing of cryogenic liquids and delivery systems, component replacement, the calibration, and repair of helium mass spectrometer leak detectors, experience with the operation or setup of Programmable Logic Control (PLC) type systems.

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.

$87,568 - $107,848