Computational design for spacecraft applications

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join the Materials Development & Additive Manufacturing group at NASA's JPL. This role involves conducting research on computational design tools for spacecraft applications, with a focus on optimization techniques. The ideal candidate will have a recent Doctoral Degree in a relevant field and experience in advanced manufacturing. Applicants should be eligible U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or foreign nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa. Contact Ryan Watkins for questions.

Qualifications

• Recent PhD in structural mechanics, heat transfer, numerical optimization, topology optimization, or lattice design.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing capabilities like 3D printing.
• Strong research skills and ability to publish peer-reviewed research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent scientific research focusing on spacecraft design.
• Develop computational design tools leveraging optimization techniques.
• File relevant intellectual property.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0319-NPP-NOV26-JPL-Eng

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect.

Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org).

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

The Materials Development & Additive Manufacturing group at JPL seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct basic science research focused on the development of computational design tools for spacecraft applications, specifically leveraging topology optimization and lattice structures. Building upon prior work at JPL, including the open-source lattice design tool UnitcellHub and an internal topology optimization framework, the successful candidate will lead independent scientific research to develop new and innovative approaches to spacecraft design. Candidates should possess a recent PhD in a relevant field such as structural mechanics, heat transfer, numerical optimization, topology optimization, or lattice design. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for vigorously performing and publishing peer-reviewed research, as well as filing relevant intellectual property. This position offers the opportunity for independent scientific research with access to advanced manufacturing capabilities, such as plastic and metal 3D printers, and high-performance computing environments.

Field of Science

Engineering

Advisors

Ryan Watkins

[e-mail]

626-658-1596

Eligibility

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status.

Questions about this opportunity?

Please email [e-mail]

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.