Solar Array Technologist I

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Childcare support

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks a Solar Array Technologist to advance photovoltaic technologies for space missions. You will help develop solar power hardware, propose experiments, and publish results, contributing to flight projects from concept to implementation.

The role requires a physics/engineering background, hands-on lab work, and collaboration with power and flight systems teams. Strong programming (Python/MATLAB) and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Applied Physics or related technical field with a minimum of 1 year related experience or Masters/PhD with 0 years of experience.
• Experience with and extensive knowledge of photovoltaics.
• Experience with and broad knowledge in electrical test systems, vacuum systems, environmental testing, solar simulation, space radiation and related environments.
• Programming in Python and/or MATLAB.
• Ability to collaborate with power and flight systems engineering teams for solar array integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology development for solar arrays for flight projects.
• Prepare proposals, conduct laboratory experiments, and publish results.
• Infuse new solar array technology into flight missions and manage procurements.
• Generate requirements, design, test, and verify flight hardware.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Solar photovoltaics

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or related technical field

Masters or PhD in 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.

Responsibilities

The JPL Avionics, Power & Instrument Electronics Section’s experts provide the knowledge and expertise for cutting edge technologies in a wide variety of fields including electronics, electrical ground support equipment, and power flight systems for JPL missions. The breadth of the section’s technical expertise ranges from materials research to technology development to flight hardware implementation for robotic missions that explore our solar system. The Photovoltaic, Electrochemical and Thermoelectric Systems Group within the Avionics, Power, and Instrument Electronics Section develops new technology for solar power generation and implements solar array hardware on space flight missions. Current destinations include the Moon, Mars, Venus, Psyche, Jupiter and its moons. Potential future destinations under study include Saturn and its moons, the Centaurs and Uranus. As a JPL Solar Array Technologist, you will contribute to technology development efforts, including proposal preparation, laboratory experiments, reporting and publishing results and infusion of technology into flight projects. You will also contribute to implementation of solar array technology on flight missions, including generation of requirements, design, testing, verification of flight hardware and technical management of procurements.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Physics, Applied Physics or related technical field with a minimum of 1 year related experience or Masters or Ph.D. in related technical field with 0 years of experience.
• Experience with and extensive knowledge of photovoltaics
• Experience with and broad knowledge in one or more of the following fields: electrical test systems, vacuum systems, environmental testing, solar simulation, space radiation and combined environments
• Computer programming in Python and/or MATLAB
• Ability to collaborate with power systems and flight systems engineering teams to ensure successful integration of solar arrays into a space system
• Ability to represent the solar array team to external organizations

Preferred Skills

• Ability to perform complex and varied job functions and activities in the field of space photovoltaics
• Ability to lead teams
• Ability to work effectively with different personalities across various organizations
• Ability to work independently on important assignments and projects with limited supervision

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 typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$82,368 - $104,000

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.