Power Systems Engineer I (345A)

Responsibilities:

Challenge yourself to take a significant role in the development of JPL’s next generation of electronics, power systems, and technology to reliably propel JPL missions to the inner and outer solar system.  As a Power Systems Engineer I for the Power Systems Engineeringgroup, you will be working within the Avionics, Power, & Instrument Electronics Section. This section is responsible for design, analysis, fabrication, testing, verification and operations of electronics, electrical ground support equipment, and power flight systems for JPL missions. This section is JPL's technical center of excellence for advanced computing, instrument electronics, motor control electronics, advanced power electronics, thermoelectric, electrochemical, and photovoltaic technologies.

We are seeking a curious, motivated Power Systems Engineer I to support the implementation of end-to-end power subsystem solutions, including supporting the delivery of power hardware and operations.  As a systems engineer, you will be involved in all phases of the mission life cycle including technical concept development, hardware implementation, delivery, and operations. A systems engineer is highly motivated and creative with the ability to oversee, balance and integrate technical and program-related issues in an end-to-end manner to ensure that the total system satisfies the project and mission requirements. 

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Support the development and management of power system and electrical system requirements
• Support the development and execution of V&V plans on JPL lead projects/missions   
• Support the development of power system architectures and power subsystem definition on new mission proposals  
• Support power system sizing & resource management
• Define and document electrical interfaces across a spacecraft to ensure a self-compatible, robust design implementation and to support the fabrication of flight harnesses
• Work effectively with power designers in defining optimum architectures
• Contribute to architectural trades to optimize systems across technical, schedule, and cost constraints
• Understand grounding diagrams in support of a compliant EMI/EMC approach
• Produce detailed and accurate design products in support of hardware development and to document the as-built configuration
• Present power system concepts to different levels of line management and project teams 

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, or related technical subject area, with a minimum of 1 year of related  work experience, or Masters in a similar discipline with 0 years of related work experience.
• General understanding of one or more of the following areas: Analog Electronics, Controls, Power Systems Design, Systems Engineering, Electrical Systems Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Integration and Test  
• General understanding of principles, theories, concepts and techniques in Power Systems Engineering  
• Experience in power electronic designs including schematics, reliability analysis, board layout, and testing
• Project experience delivering building and testing hardware
• General knowledge of grounding, EMI/EMC, electrical compatibility, signal integrity, and battery management
• Knowledge related to the development, testing, integration, and use of solar arrays and batteries for space applications 
• Experience with standard electronic test equipment: oscilloscope, power supply, logic analyzer, etc.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems to determine the root cause
• Knowledge of power converter topologies, power switching, and control systems
• Excellent oral and interpersonal skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience with power subsystem hardware, electrical interfaces, and complex integrated systems 
• Knowledge of industry and/or academic practices and standards system development. 
• Experience in hardware development and troubleshooting. 
• Familiarity with Altium Designer, LTSPICE, and PLECS
• Ability to multi-task meet schedule milestones

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.

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

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