Data Scientist IV

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 165,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare support

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California seeks a senior ML/remote sensing leader to conduct R&D for science and engineering challenges, lead mid-sized teams, and collaborate across domains. The role emphasizes delivering data-driven solutions and advancing mission-ready technology.

Ideal candidates will have PI leadership experience, strong publication or delivery records, and proficiency in HPC/cloud environments, with a passion for space exploration and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in a technical field with related experience.
• Broad knowledge of machine learning including deep learning and Gen AI.
• Deep knowledge of remotely sensed data from airborne/orbital sensors.
• Demonstrated PI leadership of independent, novel research capabilities.
• Leadership of technical tasks with teams up to 6 people.
• Experience with software engineering best practices.
• Proven ability to validate scientific investigations rigorously.
• Strong written and oral communication including data visualization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D of ML and related technologies for science and engineering challenges.
• Develop and lead algorithm/data processing methods for remote sensing platforms and missions.
• Generate large-scale datasets and models from mission data.
• Lead 3–6 person research teams on self-won/received tasks.
• Collaborate with domain experts across science and engineering fields.
• Publish work through peer-reviewed venues; present at conferences/journals.
• Facilitate infusion of data-driven technologies throughout JPL and NASA.

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Gen AI architectures

Data processing

Software engineering

Team leadership

Communication

HPC / cloud computing

Remote sensing data

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree in related field

PhD in related field

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D of ML and related technologies for application to science and engineering challenges
• Develop and lead algorithm and data processing methods for airborne and satellite remote sensing platforms, planetary surface missions, and novel instrument designs
• Generate large-scale datasets and models from mission data
• Lead delivery-minded mid-sized (3-6 members) research teams on self-won and received tasks
• Collaborate with domain experts from a variety of natural science and space-related engineering fields
• Publicize work through peer-reviewed conference, workshop, and journal papers
• Facilitate the infusion of high quality, data-driven technologies throughout JPL and NASA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physical Science, or related technical discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related work experience; or Masters in a related discipline with a minimum of 7 years of related work experience or PhD in related disciplines with a minimum of 5 years of related work experience.
• Broad knowledge of machine learning inclusive of tradition machine learning, deep learning and Gen AI architectures.
• Deep knowledge of remotely sensed data from airborne and orbital instrumentation, including advanced sensors.
• Demonstrated Principal Investigator leadership of independent, novel research capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership of technical tasks involving teams of up to 6 persons
• Demonstrated success in competitive proposal calls in space-related areas ML publication record in respected, peer reviewed venues, or equivalent industry delivery experience.
• Experience with software engineering best practices.
• Demonstrated experience with rigorous validation for scientific investigations
• Strong written and oral communication skills including data visualization, presentation, and explanation of results.
• Team-building mentality, can-do attitude, and relentless commitment to project success.
• Experience working with HPC and/or cloud-based distributed computing systems.

Preferred Skills

• Optimizing and delivering algorithms to onboard, large-scale computing, or real-time operational systems.
• Working knowledge of uncertainty quantification and generative modeling.
• Experience working with imaging spectroscopy data for airborne or orbital instruments.
• Experience creating and validating large-scale data products based on machine learning.
• Familiarity with atmospheric retrievals, and ideally radiative transfer theory.
• Deep knowledge of machine learning architectures that are relevant and useful to imaging spectroscopy applications.

Benefits and Perks

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

Salary range

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $165,360 - $227,864

Equal Opportunity

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law. In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EEO is the Law. EEO is the Law Supplement Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here. Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system. Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance. Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.