Systems Engineer I

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 97,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a Systems Engineer, Level 1 for the Deep Space Network Scheduling Group to develop, plan, and negotiate DSN antenna tracking schedules across multiple missions.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 1 year of experience (or a master’s with 0 years), plus strong communication and collaboration skills. There is a 2+ year scheduling background expectation and a requirement to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Qualifications

• Requires a 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 with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Proven capability to collaborate and negotiate effectively to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Minimum of 2 years of scheduling experience.
• Familiarity with DSN scheduling processes and procedures.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of DSN tracking requirements for assigned missions.
• Compute and integrate multi-mission DSN scheduling data with engineers to finalize optimized schedules.
• Maintain frequent communication with mission engineers, scientists, and management.
• Produce allocation plans, configuration details, and view period analyses.
• Provide scheduling options to support mission technical challenges and safe-mode recovery.
• Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation to support emergency needs.
• Complete a structured training program (3–6 months).

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, mathematics or physical science

Master's degree (optional)

Tools

DSN scheduling tools

SSS / DIVA / MORPH

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 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 further benefits information. 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. $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.

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.