Safety Engineer III - Pressure Systems & NDT

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 121,992 - 147,680; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory seeks a Safety Engineer III to join the Pressure Systems & Cryogenic Engineering Services Group in Pasadena, California. The ideal candidate will coordinate pressure safety initiatives, provide technical oversight, and manage NDT programs ensuring compliance with standards.

This role requires a degree in Engineering or Science, extensive experience in NDT operations, and strong communication skills. JPL offers an inspiring work environment, competitive salary, and a wide range of benefits.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science with a minimum of 6 years of related experience.
• Experience leading NDT operations and interpreting codes/standards.
• American Welding Society AWS CWI welding inspector certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate projects on pressure safety issues with various organizations.
• Provide technical oversight of NDT programs and ensure compliance.
• Train and examine NDT personnel to meet certifications and standards.

Skills

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

Project coordination

Technical oversight

Compliance training

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Master's degree in similar discipline

PhD in similar discipline

Tools

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes

API standards

Visual Testing (VT)

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Job description

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 Facilities and Logistics Operations Division (6400) oversees the physical development, maintenance, and safe operation of the Laboratory’s infrastructure to enable advanced workplaces, resilient systems, and uninterrupted mission support. Within this division, the Facilities Operations Section (642) is seeking a Safety Engineer III for the Pressure Systems & Cryogenic Engineering Services Group (642C).

The Pressure Systems & Cryogenic Engineering Services Group provides laboratory-wide expertise in the certification and management of pressure vessels and cryogenic services. We ensure the reliability and safety of systems critical to JPL’s missions by offering end-to-end support—from initial design review and documentation to ongoing inspections and testing.

Reporting to the Group Supervisor, you will coordinate with NASA and external agencies on ground‑based pressure safety initiatives and serve as a technical advisor on the interpretation and execution of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes and API standards for in‑service inspections.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate projects within JPL organizations, NASA and other agencies and external organizations on ground‑based pressure safety issues.
• Provide input on interpretation, application and execution of ASME boiler pressure vessel code and API for in‑service inspections.
• Be responsible for training, examining, certifying, and monitoring nondestructive testing (NDT) personnel to ensure compliance with company, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical oversight of NDT programs, approve procedures and workmanship standards, and ensure the integrity and effectiveness of inspection operations.
• Be responsible for direct reports Qualifications & Certifications related to the NDT program. These responsibilities may be further delegated to other Level III personnel in the organization, including external Level III consultants.
• Interface with management and JPL project stakeholders, internal & external organizations.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science with a minimum of 6 years of related experience or a Master’s degree in a similar discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience or a PhD in a similar discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Understanding and wide application of developing, qualifying, and approving procedures; establishing and approving techniques; interpreting codes, standards, specifications, and procedures; and designating the NDT methods, techniques, and procedures to be used.
• Experience leading NDT operations, qualified and assigned personnel, capable of interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standards, and specifications.
• Sufficient practical background in applicable NDT materials, pressure system fabrication, pressure system service (in‑service), and product technology to establish techniques, and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria when none are otherwise available.
• General familiarity with other appropriate NDT methods, as demonstrated by an ASNT Level III Basic examination or other means.
• Sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be capable of training and examining NDT Level I, II, and III personnel for certification in those methods.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with peers and/or functional partners within the organization, as well as customers external to JPL.
• Ability to follow required policies, procedures and practices under ASNT NDE Level III certification on the following methods: Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT).
• American Welding Society AWS CWI welding inspector certification.
• Proven ability to work on assignments without appreciable direction, exercising latitude in determining objectives and independent judgment in evaluating complex and unusual problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to report out on project status and advise/consult with management on technical issues.
• Willing to work overtime, some travel may be required.

Preferred Skills

• Wide-ranging experience and advanced knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Engineering and Fabrication of Pressure Vessels, Welding requirements and general pipeline/Pressure Vessel Safety.
• Radiographic Testing level II certified. Skilled in UT shear wave and Phase array testing for detection and sizing of flaws on welds and engineered materials.
• Performing/participating in pressure system and/or NDT audits.

Benefits

JPL offers a range of benefits including health, dental, vision, wellbeing, retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave, and more. The typical full‑time equivalent annual hiring range for this position in Pasadena, California is $121,992 - $147,680.

EEO Statement

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion