Optomechancial Engineer II

Responsibilities:

The Instruments and Communications Division is known for the development and infusion of technologies that enableadvanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. Our expertise spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum 97 from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet(UV). Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers and other in situ instruments, ground and space-based RF and optical systems, and innovative sensors. Wecreate novel material systems and fabrication techniques that unlock new concepts andmission architecture. We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advancedcommunicationsystems, and developnavigationaltrackingto understand where we are and how to ensure robustengineering and sciencedata return.

The Optics & Spectroscopy Section provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are essential to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems in the following areas: research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis, and implementation; optical hardware integration and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.

We invite you to join the Optics & Spectroscopy Section to serve as an Optomechanical Engineer II.

You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of Optomechanical Engineering. The Optomechanical Engineeringgroupdevelops and implements precision structure for optical instruments. Projects range from spaceflight, to airborne, ground,and testbed systems. Applications include large-aperture telescopes, spectrometers ranging from UV to IR, coronagraph components, and detector packaging.

Tasks may include but not be limited to:

• Own optomechanical hardware through its full lifecycle, including design, analysis, review, procurement, assembly, integration, and precision alignment
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver subsystems or instruments that meet technical requirements, cost constraints, and schedule commitments
• Use CAD tools to design precision spaceflight instrument parts (including optics and kinematic mounts), airborne instrument parts, and/or ground support equipment (GSE)
• Conduct structural finite element analysis (FEA) and structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analysis
• Support integration and test (I&T) activities including precision alignment and environmental qualification

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, optical engineering, or related technical field with typically a minimum of 3 years of related work experience; Masters degree in similar fields with a minimum of 1 years of related work experience; or Ph.D. with a minimum of 0 years of experience in an area related to mechanical and/or optical engineering.
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., NX or SolidWorks) and mechanical drawings
• Experience with analytical approaches (e.g., first-principles hand calculations, tolerance stackup analyses, FEA, STOP, and scripting languages)
• Hands-on experience and practical knowledge in hardware integration, optical alignment, state-of-the-art measurement techniques

• Team leadership experience, especially with multidisciplinary teams over multiple phases in the project lifecycle

Preferred skills:

• Experience with technical contract management (CTM) for vendors of complex optical and mechanical hardware
• Experience developing hardware from concept to flight
• Advanced knowledge of materials and processes (M&P; e.g., metallurgy or adhesive bonding)

• Experience defining subsystem requirements, verification plans, and presenting at lifecycle reviews (e.g., preliminary and critical design reviews; PDR and CDR)

• Experience with NASTRAN FEA software or a similar analysis package
• Experience with Zemax Optics Studio or CodeV optical design software tools
• Experience with Python or MATLAB programming languages, for both data analysis and instrumentation automation tasks

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

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