Lead Data Scientist — Space ML & Mission Data

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

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.