Mechanical Systems Engineer IV

JPL/NASA•Pasadena, CA

4d•$170,144 - $215,800

About The Position

This senior-level position is part of JPL’s Mechanical and Control Systems Division (35), which develops advanced mechanical, robotics, thermal, propulsion, onboard GNC, and electronic packaging systems from early architecture through design, fabrication, integration, and test. The role is within the Mechanical Engineering, Integration, and Test Section (352), which leads design, analysis, development, integration, and test of flight mechanical and robotic systems for spacecraft, payloads, and ground-based systems. The Mechanical Systems Engineer leads mechanical hardware development and systems engineering for payloads, instruments, and spacecraft across mission phases—from proposals and concept architecture through detailed design, integration and test, and flight operations. The position exercises broad technical authority, approves key engineering products, and leads multidisciplinary teams addressing high-impact technical challenges. It also provides technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and other team members. This is a temporary position that may last up to 36 months, with assignments approved for periods of 6 to 12 months. The posting states that employment is not under contract and may be terminated at any time, with or without notice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline and typically at least 9 years of related experience; or a master’s degree and at least 7 years of related experience; or a PhD and a minimum number of years of related experience (the posting does not specify the number).
Extensive experience researching, developing, designing, analyzing, assembling, integrating, testing, or verifying mechanical systems for spaceflight or similarly complex environments.
Ability to translate mission-level needs into system architectures, technical requirements, and implementation strategies.
Experience exercising technical authority, approving engineering products, and leading critical reviews.
Ability to plan tasks, lead projects, manage schedules, and deliver commitments in complex, multi-organizational environments.
Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret (TS) clearance based on a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) within a 5-year scope, and be able to be approved for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading development and delivery of spaceflight hardware or other complex mechanical systems.
Success defining and approving requirements, interfaces, verification and validation plans, and risk mitigation strategies at subsystem or system levels.
Expertise in CAD modeling tools such as NX, SolidWorks, and Teamcenter, and advanced analysis methods including classical analysis and finite element analysis (FEA).
Deep knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
Ability to innovate, solve unprecedented engineering challenges, and lead multidisciplinary teams.
Strong communication skills and ability to present complex information to management, partners, and external organizations.
Experience representing organizations in technical reviews and coordinating across multiple teams and partners.
Experience with aerospace fabrication processes, specifically composite structures.
Experience with aerospace material selection and implementation, specifically composite structures.
Experience with mass properties.
Experience with engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design).
Understanding of JPL, NASA, and Aerospace Corporation policies and procedures.
Experience with JAMA.
Experience with opto-mechanical hardware design, implementation, and test.

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical hardware development and mechanical systems engineering activities for payloads, instruments, and spacecraft across proposal, architecture development, detailed design, integration and test, and flight operations.
Approve requirements, interfaces, verification and validation plans, and key engineering products to ensure technical integrity and mission success.
Lead the generation and maintenance of engineering documentation, design artifacts, and technical data packages.
Direct complex trade studies, oversee highly complex technical models, and drive major technical decisions with significant mission and organizational impact.
Lead the definition, documentation, and management of technical requirements, interfaces, and mechanical systems engineering products for spaceflight missions.
Ensure delivered products meet technical requirements and programmatic commitments, exercising broad judgment and authority over technical direction.
Advise and contribute significantly to cost and schedule estimation and implementation planning for mechanical engineering components.
Present technical work to line, project, and management audiences, representing system status and major decisions.
Provide mentorship, coaching, technical guidance, and oversight for engineers, designers, analysts, and cross-disciplinary team members.
Work independently with wide latitude and form and lead multidisciplinary teams to address high-impact technical challenges.