Operations Systems Engineer I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental/Vision benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare assistance

Childcare support

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena seeks a Scientist/Engineer to translate science objectives into executable spacecraft and instrument activities, supporting planning, testing, and operation of the Psyche mission as it progresses through its science phase.

The role emphasizes collaboration with science, instrument teams, spacecraft and operations to develop and maintain detailed activity plans, sequences, and operational procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with typically 1 year of related experience or a master’s degree.
• Understanding of science planning, science systems engineering, instrument operations, or related processes.
• Ability to apply standard scientific, engineering principles to support planning and operations.
• Ability to analyze technical information and develop integrated plans.
• Ability to learn complex mission systems and work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate detailed Science Activity Plans translating science objectives into mission activities.
• Incorporate engineering activities into integrated mission plans using planning tools.
• Plan science-related spacecraft pointing and coordinate with GNC engineers to support implementation.
• Coordinate science observations and instrument activities across teams.
• Model, analyze, and pre-validate science and instrument sequences prior to execution.
• Develop and test new activities and flight sequences using the Psyche Flight System Testbed.
• Maintain operational procedures, interfaces, documentation, and planning tools.
• Support instrument operations, including monitoring instrument health and safety using real-time telemetry.
• Investigate instrument and operational anomalies.
• Perform science data processing and analysis to support instrument operations and planning.
• Support strategic and tactical science planning throughout the mission.

Skills

Science planning

Science systems engineering

Instrument operations

Mission operations

Mission systems

Technical procedures

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Python

MATLAB

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.

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.

Join JPL’s Mission Systems Engineering Section and the Science Planning and Engineering Group, where science and engineering come together to plan and operate space missions. The group integrates science, flight, ground, and operations systems to help deliver missions that operate as one coherent system.

As a member of the Psyche Science Planning and Instrument Operations team, you will help translate science objectives into executable spacecraft and instrument activities and support the planning, testing, and operation of the mission as it approaches and conducts its science phase.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the role include:

• Develop and integrate detailed Science Activity Plans that translate science objectives into executable mission activities.
• Incorporate engineering and communications activities into integrated mission plans using mission planning and execution tools.
• Plan science-related spacecraft pointing and coordinate with Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineers to support implementation.
• Coordinate science observations and instrument activities across science, instrument, spacecraft, and operations teams.
• Model, analyze, and pre-validate science and instrument sequences prior to execution.
• Develop and test new activities and flight sequences using the Psyche Flight System Testbed.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, interfaces, documentation, and planning tools.
• Support instrument operations, including monitoring instrument health and safety using real-time telemetry and downlinked data products.
• Support the investigation and resolution of instrument and operational anomalies.
• Perform science data processing and analysis in support of instrument operations and science planning.
• Support strategic and tactical science planning throughout the mission.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline with typically a minimum of 1 year of related experience; or a master’s degree in a related discipline.
• General understanding of one or more of the following areas: science planning, science systems engineering, instrument operations, spacecraft or mission operations, mission systems, or related mission processes and procedures.
• Ability to apply standard scientific, engineering, or technical principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to support planning and operational activities.
• Ability to analyze technical information, identify relevant constraints and dependencies, and support the development of integrated plans and solutions.
• Ability to approach complex technical problems methodically, evaluate available information and constraints, and determine appropriate next steps with guidance from more experienced team members.
• Ability to learn complex mission systems, operational processes, and technical tools and apply that knowledge in a detail-oriented operational environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and coordinate with scientists, engineers, instrument teams, and mission operations personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate technical information, planning considerations, issues, and recommendations to technical teams and management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or coursework related to spacecraft operations, science planning, instrument operations, mission planning, or systems engineering.
• Experience developing, analyzing, or working with timelines, sequences, schedules, or other operational plans.
• Familiarity with spacecraft pointing, coordinate systems, orbital mechanics, or Guidance, Navigation & Control concepts.
• Experience with scripting, data analysis, or automation using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Experience analyzing telemetry, scientific data, engineering data, or other time-series data products.Experience working with multidisciplinary teams involving scientists and engineers.
• Familiarity with software development, testing, configuration management, or verification processes.
• Demonstrated interest in planetary science, space science, or robotic space exploration.

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 click Benefits and Perks

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.

$97,032 - $117,416

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.