Systems Engineer I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision benefits

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare assistance

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, seeks a Systems Engineer, Level 1 for the Deep Space Network Scheduling Group (326G). You will develop, negotiate, and maintain DSN antenna tracking schedules for multiple missions and collaborate with mission engineers and scientists.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree with 1 year of related experience or a master’s with 0 years, plus strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; on-call rotation is included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, CS, mathematics, physical science, or related discipline with 1 year of related experience or master’s with 0 years.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven collaboration and negotiation abilities.
• Strong organizational skills in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Minimum of 2 years of scheduling experience.
• Experience working in the JPL multi-mission operations environment.
• Familiarity with DSN scheduling processes and procedures.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of DSN tracking requirements for assigned missions.
• Compute, evaluate, and integrate multi‑mission DSN scheduling data with system engineers to finalize optimized tracking plans.
• Maintain frequent, effective communication with mission engineers, scientists, and all levels of management.
• Produce accurate allocation plans, configuration details, view period analyses, and other support products for spacecraft operations teams.
• Provide well‑supported tracking schedule options to resolve mission technical challenges.
• Participate in a 24/7 on‑call rotation to support emergency operational needs.
• Complete a structured training program, typically 3–6 months.

Skills

Scheduling experience

DSN knowledge

Python programming

JavaScript programming

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, or related technical discipline

Tools

SSS

DIVA

MORPH

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 Mission Operations Section (326)

is looking for a Systems Engineer, Level 1 for the Deep Space Network Scheduling Group (326G). This group represents project needs for the Deep Space Network (DSN) tracking resources in development and through operations. In this role you will be responsible for the development, planning, and negotiation of DSN antenna tracking schedules for various spacecraft.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Develop a thorough understanding of Deep Space Network (DSN) tracking requirements for assigned missions.
• Compute, evaluate, and integrate multi‑mission DSN scheduling data, collaborating with system engineers to finalize optimized tracking schedules.
• Maintain frequent, effective communication with mission engineers, scientists, and all levels of management.
• Produce accurate and error‑free allocation plans, configuration details, view period analyses, and other essential support products for spacecraft operations teams.
• Provide well‑supported tracking schedule options to assist in resolving mission technical challenges, such as adjustments required for safe‑mode recovery.
• Participate in a 24/7 on‑call rotation (JPL‑issued cellphone) to support emergency operational needs.
• Complete a structured training program, typically requiring 3–6 months.

Required Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related technical discipline with 1 year of related experience or master's with 0 years of related experience.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Proven capability to collaborate and negotiate effectively with peers to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Highly self‑motivated, able to multitask, and comfortable working in high‑pressure situations.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant scheduling experience.
• Experience working within the JPL multi‑mission operations environment.
• Solid understanding of DSN scheduling processes and procedures.
• Familiarity with DSN user tracking requirements.
• Prior experience in a customer service‑focused role.
• Working knowledge of SSS, DIVA, MORPH, and other mission support software tools.
• Familiarity with JPL operational processes and procedures.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Python programming.
• JavaScript programming.

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.

$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.