Solar Array Technologist I

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

1d•$82,368 - $104,000•Onsite

About The Position

The JPL Avionics, Power & Instrument Electronics Section’s experts provide the knowledge and expertise for cutting edge technologies in a wide variety of fields including electronics, electrical ground support equipment, and power flight systems for JPL missions. The breadth of the section’s technical expertise ranges from materials research to technology development to flight hardware implementation for robotic missions that explore our solar system. The Photovoltaic, Electrochemical and Thermoelectric Systems Group within the Avionics, Power, and Instrument Electronics Section develops new technology for solar power generation and implements solar array hardware on space flight missions. Current destinations include the Moon, Mars, Venus, Psyche, Jupiter and its moons. Potential future destinations under study include Saturn and its moons, the Centaurs and Uranus. As a JPL Solar Array Technologist, you will contribute to technology development efforts, including proposal preparation, laboratory experiments, reporting and publishing results and infusion of technology into flight projects. You will also contribute to implementation of solar array technology on flight missions, including generation of requirements, design, testing, verification of flight hardware and technical management of procurements.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Physics, Applied Physics or related technical field with a minimum of 1 year related experience or Masters or Ph.D. in related technical field with 0 years of experience.
Experience with and extensive knowledge of photovoltaics
Experience with and broad knowledge in one or more of the following fields: electrical test systems, vacuum systems, environmental testing, solar simulation, space radiation and combined environments
Computer programming in Python and/or MATLAB
Ability to collaborate with power systems and flight systems engineering teams to ensure successful integration of solar arrays into a space system
Ability to represent the solar array team to external organizations

Nice To Haves

Ability to perform complex and varied job functions and activities in the field of space photovoltaics
Ability to lead teams
Ability to work effectively with different personalities across various organizations
Ability to work independently on important assignments and projects with limited supervision

Responsibilities

Contribute to technology development efforts, including proposal preparation, laboratory experiments, reporting and publishing results and infusion of technology into flight projects.
Contribute to implementation of solar array technology on flight missions, including generation of requirements, design, testing, verification of flight hardware and technical management of procurements.