Guidance and Control Hardware Engineer III
About The Position
This unique opportunity is part of the Mechanical Control Systems Division, which is responsible for technology 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 a Guidance and Control Engineer in the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) Sensors, Actuators, Payloads, and Field Test Group, you will be working for JPL’s Guidance 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.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Physics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related experience, a Master’s 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…
Nice To Haves
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Procurement or design, development, integration and flight qualification of sensor systems for flight missions (including inertial and optical based GN&C sensors).
- Independently propose and develop new sensor technologies for on-board spacecraft GN&C systems.
- Secure funding for technology development.
- Lead effort to develop technology for infusion into future flight projects.
Benefits
- Variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Learning
- Rideshare
- Childcare
- Flexible schedule
- Parental leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
