Maintenance and Operations Electrical Engineer

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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About The Position

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL. Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence. The Facilities and Logistics Operations Division is responsible for the overall physical development and maintenance of the laboratory. The objective of the division is to provide a safe physical environment that promotes the advancement and transfer of knowledge. Our core function is the stewardship, reliability, and safe operation of the Lab’s physical infrastructure, site structures, utility systems, and equipment. We invite you to join the Facilities Operations Section within the Facilities and Logistics Operations Division to serve as an Electrical Engineer. This is a senior role within the Facilities Management group and will report to the Group Supervisor. In this role, you will be responsible for the overall reliability, maintainability, oversight, and compliance of highly complex institutional electrical infrastructure across the Lab, ranging from low-voltage system to critical high-voltage substations.

Requirements

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience; or a Master’s degree in a similar discipline with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; or a PhD with in a similar discipline with a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Extensive understanding and wide application of advanced principles, theories, and concepts in the operation and maintenance of large, campus-type institutional electrical infrastructure, utility systems, and equipment.
• Expert-level, working knowledge and experience with critical electrical systems, including: High Voltage Systems (16.5 kV or equivalent). Substations, Switchgear, and Distribution equipment. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and Power Distribution Units (PDUs). Emergency Generators and Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS).
• Extensive knowledge of relevant electrical codes and standards (NFPA 70, NETA, CEC/NEC).
• Proven ability to work on major assignments without appreciable direction, exercising considerable latitude in determining objectives and independent judgment in evaluating complex and unusual problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to report out on project status and advise/consult with management on highly complex and significant technical issues.
• Excellent working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including MS Project.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technically challenging quality inspections of maintenance work performed by subcontractors on critical electrical systems (e.g., UPS, switchgear, generators, 16.5 kV substations) to ensure strict compliance with job plans, industry standards (NFPA, NETA, CEC, etc.)
• Lead and conduct investigations, Failure Mode Analysis, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on major electrical equipment failures and downtime incidents. Develops and implements strategic, long-term corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve complex preventive/predictive maintenance (PM/PdM) programs.
• Develops, reviews, and updates as needed standard electrical policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Serves as a mentor, providing guidance and technical mentorship to operations personnel, construction/project managers, and multidisciplinary teams regarding electrical troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, and technology improvements.
• Reviews/approves all third-party MOPs and Lockout/Tagout Procedures (LOPs) to ensure maintainability, sustainability, and absolute safety.
• Conducts final-level design reviews and plan checks for new construction and reconstruction projects, specifically evaluating electrical system designs for compliance, long-term maintainability, and reliability performance.
• Identifies major energy conservation and plant modernization projects that go beyond the scope of current subcontractor duties, contributing significantly to established energy goals and continual plant reliability improvement.
• Ensures all maintenance, repair, and modification activities are executed in strict accordance with NASA-approved directives, organizational policies, and current local/national electrical codes (e.g., NFPA 70, NETA, CEC/NEC).
• Interfaces regularly with management and JPL project stakeholders, internal & external organizations (e.g., subcontract partners, NASA centers) as the technical representative during design, development and execution of electrical infrastructure related projects.
• Functions as the technical advisor to management on all significant electrical maintenance issues.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level