DSN Scheduling Systems Engineer I – Space Missions

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision benefits

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare assistance

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, seeks a Systems Engineer, Level 1 for the Deep Space Network Scheduling Group (326G). You will develop, negotiate, and maintain DSN antenna tracking schedules for multiple missions and collaborate with mission engineers and scientists.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree with 1 year of related experience or a master’s with 0 years, plus strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; on-call rotation is included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, CS, mathematics, physical science, or related discipline with 1 year of related experience or master’s with 0 years.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven collaboration and negotiation abilities.
• Strong organizational skills in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Minimum of 2 years of scheduling experience.
• Experience working in the JPL multi-mission operations environment.
• Familiarity with DSN scheduling processes and procedures.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of DSN tracking requirements for assigned missions.
• Compute, evaluate, and integrate multi‑mission DSN scheduling data with system engineers to finalize optimized tracking plans.
• Maintain frequent, effective communication with mission engineers, scientists, and all levels of management.
• Produce accurate allocation plans, configuration details, view period analyses, and other support products for spacecraft operations teams.
• Provide well‑supported tracking schedule options to resolve mission technical challenges.
• Participate in a 24/7 on‑call rotation to support emergency operational needs.
• Complete a structured training program, typically 3–6 months.

Skills

Scheduling experience

DSN knowledge

Python programming

JavaScript programming

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, or related technical discipline

Tools

SSS

DIVA

MORPH

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, seeks a Systems Engineer, Level 1 for the Deep Space Network Scheduling Group (326G). You will develop, negotiate, and maintain DSN antenna tracking schedules for multiple missions and collaborate with mission engineers and scientists.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree with 1 year of related experience or a master’s with 0 years, plus strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; on-call rotation is included.