Guidance and Control Hardware Engineer III

This unique opportunity is part of theMechanical Control Systems Division,which is responsible fortechnology development, advanced concepts, design, development, delivery, integration and test, verification and validation, and operation of complex Mechanical, Thermal, Propulsion, Robotics, and Guidance and Control (G&C) systems.

As aGuidance and Control Engineerin theGuidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) Sensors, Actuators, Payloads, and Field Test Group, you will be working for JPLGuidance and Control Section. We do system engineering, design and analysis, hardware development, procurement, testing, and operations support in G&C areas for unique deep-space/earth-orbiting/astrophysics missions. We also do world class research and technology development in autonomous guidance, navigation and control systems including pin-point and safe landing, space rendezvous, formation flying, and precision pointing, among others.

Responsibilities:

The Guidance and Control Engineer is responsible for the procurement or design, development, integration and flight qualification of sensor systems for flight missions (including inertial and optical based GN&C sensors). In this role, you will also independently propose and develop new sensor technologiesfor on-board spacecraft GN&Csystems, secure funding for technology development and lead effort to develop technology for infusion into future flight projects.

Qualifications Required:

• This position requires a Bachelors degree in Aerospace, Physics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related experience, a Master degree in a technical discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, or a PhD in a technical discipline with a minimum of 2 years
• Knowledge in one or more of the following GN&C sensor areas: inertial sensors or optical sensors, such as lidars, star trackers, sun sensors, formation flying sensors, pin point and safe landing sensors, space rendezvous sensors, precision pointing sensors etc.
• Experience leading hands-on hardware development or complex hardware test beds to characterize functionality and performance
• Experience leading field testing of prototype hardware in relevant environments, such as dynamic test beds, aerial vehicles, rovers, etc

Preferred experience and skills include:

• Knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in spacecraft guidance navigation and control and spacecraft sensor systems
• Experience and proven track record developing new technology for GN&C sensors
• Experience with contract technical management
• Proven ability to acquire new funding for technology development
• Advanced knowledge of applicable Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations
• Experience with development of integrated GN&C hardware and software systems.
• Experience with flight qualification of spacecraft sensor systems
• Familiarity with FPGAs and embedded electronics
• Familiarity with Generative AI and agentic workflows for engineering applications
• Demonstrated team leadership and task management skills.
• GN&C hands-on experience.

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 start date.

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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 job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

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