Guidance and Control Engineer II - TS/SCI

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; California; On-site; USD 118,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Dental plans

Retirement plans

Flexible schedule

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a versatile Guidance and Control Engineer to develop algorithms, models, and simulations for high‑precision spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control. You will implement flight software, validate performance, and support on‑orbit operations within the GNC Section of the Control Analysis Group.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in aerospace/related field (or Master’s with 1+ year), and the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years experience or Master’s with 1+ year in a related field.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Strong background in feedback control for aerospace systems.
• Proven ability to communicate results and work in teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithmic models, simulation, and analysis for a complex GNC subsystem.
• Coordinate validation and documentation of performance prior to delivery.
• Design, develop, and maintain advanced algorithms and models with software.
• Model validation and tuning to ensure accuracy of simulations.
• Develop and execute detailed subsystem test and verification plans.

Skills

MATLAB

Simulink

Feedback control theory

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

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 and 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.

The Division’s Guidance & Control Section develops advanced spacecraft and payload Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) architectures, designs, algorithms, simulations, and hardware development. The Section provides end-to-end expertise ranging from early-stage conceptual design and systems engineering analysis to development and performance validation to flight software implementation to on-orbit commissioning and operations. Our team develops the critical systems that enable precision pointing, autonomous navigation, and complex motion control for a diverse array of mission profiles, including pin-point landing, space rendezvous, and formation flying as well as world-class research and technology development in autonomous guidance, navigation and control systems.

We are seeking a versatile, cross-functional GNC Engineer to support our classified programs. 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 architectures, designs, algorithms, simulations, flight software implementations, performance validation and on-orbit commissioning and operations.

Responsibilities
In this position, you will be responsible for the development of algorithmic models, simulation, and analysis for a highly complex GNC subsystem. You will be a member of a team that develops and operates these systems and coordinates efforts to validate and document performance prior to delivery to the customers.

Other responsibilities include:
Conceptualizing, designing, analyzing, simulating, and evaluating the performance of a highly advanced GNC subsystem and the electro-mechanical sensors and actuators that are part of that subsystem
Design, development, and delivery/maintenance of advanced algorithms and models with associated software code, including simulation and flight code, for integration and test at the GNC subsystem and system level
Model validation and tuning to ensure physical accuracy
Development and execution of detailed subsystem test and verification plans

Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI
Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink
Technical background in feedback control systems (bode plots, gain and phase margin, etc) with particular application to aerospace systems
Demonstrated ability to pivot quickly between different tasks in a fast-paced development environment
Ability to quickly pick up and adapt to diverse simulation environments and data formats, and including adaptability to different workflows
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and communicate technical results with excellent communication and presentation skills

Desired Qualifications:
An active TS/SCI clearance
Familiarity with signal processing
Experience in research and development of precision pointing systems
Development of behavioral models that capture the behavior of complex electromechanical systems in a well-documented and modifiable manner
Ability to adapt high-fidelity research models to lower-fidelity flight system "surrogate" models for use in larger, integrated system simulations
Experience with high bandwidth mechatronics and dynamics
Experience working with external vendors and hardware suppliers
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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.

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.

$118,248 - $144,144
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.

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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 .