Job Details
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.
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 cleared Guidance and Control Engineer at JPL, you will work for the Guidance and Control Section in the Control Analysis Group. You will contribute to the advancement and development of spacecraft and payload/instrument guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) architectures, designs, algorithms, simulations, flight software implementations, performance validation and on-orbit commissioning and operations.
Responsibilities include:
Conceiving, designing, analyzing, simulating, and evaluating complex GNC subsystem performance
Delivering advanced algorithms and associated flight software code for integration and test at the GNC subsystem and system level
Developing and executing detailed subsystem test and verification plans at the system level
Leading teams that develop and operate GNC systems and coordinating the validation and documentation of subsystem performance prior to delivery
Required Qualifications:
MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE TS/SCI CLEARANCE
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience; or a PhD with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
Strong technical background in modern guidance, navigation, estimation, and control for aerospace systems
Experience in the research and development of advanced GNC systems for precision pointing
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and lead technical efforts; excellent communication and presentation skills
Highly desired experience includes:
GNC system architectures
Precision payload dynamics and controls
Advanced control methods (linear and nonlinear)
Estimation (Kalman filtering, random processes, nonlinear filtering, computer vision)
Linear and nonlinear dynamics, multi‑rigid‑body dynamics
On‑board guidance and navigation (optimization, convex methods)
Attitude estimation and control
Precision pointing control
Pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems
GNC for autonomous aerial vehicles
Rotorcraft dynamics and control
Vision‑based navigation
Terrain‑relative navigation (TRN)
3D lidar‑based navigation
Fast steering mirror control
High‑bandwidth mechatronics
Active and passive vibration control
Control of gimbaled or articulated platforms
Controlled optics
Optical wavefront and path‑length control
Structural modeling and finite element analysis
GNC‑related on‑board and ground calibration
Integrated modeling (flexible structures/optics/thermal, dynamics and control)
Time‑domain simulation and multi‑rate systems
Small spacecraft design
Multi‑vehicle formation flying
Control of large monolithic or segmented telescopes
Control of large distributed systems
Aerodynamic control for deep‑space planetary exploration
Comfortable working with Matlab/Simulink
Additional desired experience:
Strong…