Postdoc: Advanced Command and Control AI Systems

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, is seeking a Postdoctoral scholar to advance AI-driven command and control for single and multi-asset systems. The role focuses on AI constraint propagation, heuristic search, and distributed optimization while deploying to edge platforms.

You will collaborate with JPL advisors to publish in open literature and contribute to NASA-funded research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in CS, AI, Robotics, OR, CE, or related field.
• Research expertise in AI constraint propagation, heuristic search, OR, or multi-agent methods.
• Hands-on experience with centralized and distributed task execution systems on deployed platforms.
• Experience deploying complex algorithms to edge/embedded platforms.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in advanced command and control for single and multi-asset systems.
• Develop AI-based constraint propagation, heuristic search, and OR-based approaches.
• Design and implement multi-agent methods such as Distributed Constraint Optimization.
• Work with centralized and distributed task execution systems on deployed platforms.
• Deploy advanced command and control algorithms to edge/embedded platforms.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.

Skills

AI constraint propagation

Heuristic search

Operations Research

Multi-agent methods

Distributed Constraint Optimization

Task execution systems

Edge/embedded deployment

Peer-reviewed publications

Education

Ph.D. in CS/AI/ Robotics/ OR/ CE

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.

The Artificial Intelligence Group (ai.jpl.nasa.gov) are recruiting a Postdoctoral scholar to conduct research in advanced command and control systems for single and multi-asset systems. The successful candidate will focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, and autonomous task execution on deployed platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in advanced command and control systems for single and multi-asset systems.
• Develop and apply AI-based constraint propagation, heuristic search techniques, and Operations Research (OR)-based approaches.
• Design and implement multi-agent methods, such as Distributed Constraint Optimization.
• Work with centralized and distributed task execution systems on deployed platforms
• Deploy advanced command and control algorithms to edge/embedded platforms.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Operations Research, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Research expertise in one or more of the following areas: AI-based constraint propagation, heuristic search techniques, OR-based approaches, or multi-agent methods (e.g., Distributed Constraint Optimization).
• Hands-on experience working with centralized and distributed task execution systems on deployed platforms.
• Experience in deploying complex algorithms to edge/embedded platforms.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature. Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA.

Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to amaximum of three years.

Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.

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.

$83,820 - $83,820

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.

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.

$83,820 - $83,820

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.