Robotics Systems Engineer I

JPL/NASA; United States; On-site; USD 102,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, seeks a Robotics Systems Engineer I with strong systems and simulation skills and hands-on software development experience for robotic systems.

This role supports the Robotic Operations and Tools Group within the Robotic Mobility and Manipulation Section and focuses on flight-software-in-the-loop simulation, testing, and operator tools for aerospace and robotic vehicles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/CE or related field; 1 year of related work experience may be counted.
• GPA of at least 3.0.
• Reference writers: contact information for at least three professionals.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation software for Moon Base program.
• Maintain and develop operation tools for space robots.
• Integrate software and hardware to develop space robots.
• Operate Mars rovers, including Perseverance and Curiosity.

Skills

Simulation

3D visualization

Software development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field

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.

Wanted: A Robotics Systems Engineer I with strong systems/simulation skills and experience in software development and operation for robotic systems as they apply to robotic systems for the Robotic Operations and Tools Group, which is part of the Robotic Mobility and Manipulation Section.

The Robotics section develops, matures, and brings to space flight, robotics technology for in-situ exploration of the solar system. The Section also provides robotics expertise for space flight hardware and software implementation along with mission operations support.

Opportunity: To work with an enthusiastic multi-disciplinary workforce that originates and executes robotics technology development and space flight projects for terrestrial and planetary exploration applications. This role is focused on developing algorithms and software to support flight-software-in-the-loop simulation, testing, and operator tools for aerospace, planetary, and robotic vehicles; enabling human operators to safely validate and verify command sequences before they run on flight hardware.

What You’ll Do

• Development simulation software for Moon Base program
• Maintain and develop operation tools for space robots
• Software and hardware integration to develop space robots
• Operation of Mars rovers, including Perseverance and Curiosity

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline with a minimum of 1 year of related work experience; Master’s degree in similar discipline areas. Relevant internship or other hands‑on technical experience may be counted toward the experience requirement.
• Exposure to software development in areas such as simulation, modeling and 3D visualization
• A minimum of a 3.0 GPA
• Contact information for at least three professional reference writers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Development of software for modeling and simulation of robots
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment and learn from senior engineering staff
• Understanding of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in software engineering
• Experience with 3D visualization, operator interfaces, or command‑sequencing/telemetry tools for spacecraft or robotic operations

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.

$102,232 - $123,136

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.

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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.