Technologist III

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 123,864 - 170,248; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Flexible schedule

Childcare support

Parental leave

Job summary

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, located in Pasadena, California, is seeking a Technologist III to join the Optical & Quantum System Engineering Group. This role involves developing and optimizing software and systems for ultra-cold atom experiments and contributing to the advancement of space-based quantum technology.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in atomic physics, demonstrated experience in research, and excellent communication skills. JPL offers a unique work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 4 years with a Master's degree, or 2 years with a Ph.D.
• Demonstrated ability to design and assemble laboratory systems for atomic physics experiments.
• Track record of innovation in quantum physics with publications.

Responsibilities

• Develop software and optical subsystems for ultra-cold atom testbeds.
• Conduct research and develop models for atom interferometry.
• Support space-grade hardware development for atomic physics.

Skills

Atomic physics technical background

Experience with atom interferometry

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics or related field

Master's degree in relevant discipline

Ph.D. in a related discipline

Tools

Ultra-high vacuum systems

Laser cooling of atoms

Stabilized laser systems

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 Instrument Systems, Microdevices, and Sensors Section (365) is responsible for developing and infusing next generation technologies spanning quantum, micro-nanodevices and sensors that enable advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. This section also serves to support the Communications and Instruments Division implement flight instruments through Instrument Systems Engineering, Instrument Integration and Test spanning from RF through ultraviolet (UV), including micro-electro-mechanical systems and quantum engineering.

We invite you to join the Optical & Quantum System Engineering Group to serve as a Technologist III. You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor. The Optical & Quantum System Engineering Group (365D) provides lifecycle leadership in the formulation, planning and execution of the project systems engineering function for JPL quantum space flight instruments. Our expertise includes systems architecting, project system engineering leadership, quantum atomic systems, quantum optical communication systems, and flight quantum system operations.

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Maintain and develop software, electronics, and optical subsystems for Bose–Einstein condensates (BEC)-based ultra-cold atom testbeds, optimizing performance and reliability.
• Conduct research in optical transport and long-interrogation-time atom interferometry, and develop models that align theory with experimental results and project performance in microgravity.
• Support ultra-cold atom experiments in microgravity and development of space-grade hardware for atomic physics package and laser optical systems.
• Support software development and validation for autonomous operations of ultra-cold atom experiments in microgravity.
• Document results and findings, and communicate them through reports and technical discussions.
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team working environment with domestic and international partners on behalf of projects.
• Present results in conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
• Actively participate in proposal development activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related technical discipline with a minimum of 6 years of professional experience, or Master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of experience, or Ph.D. in a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Atomic physics technical background
• Extensive experience with atom interferometry systems and research.
• Experience with atom interferometry for gravity measurement/sensing.
• Demonstrated success in performing atomic physics research
• Demonstrated ability to design, plan, and assemble cold atom and atom interferometry laboratory systems and testbeds
• Familiarity/understanding of the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer (QGG) instrument architecture
• Track record of innovation in quantum physics, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and/or successful instrument delivery
• Experience with the operation, characterization, and/or study of one or more of the following technologies: atom interferometry, stabilized laser systems, ultra-high vacuum systems, laser cooling of atoms, and quantum gravity gradiometry
• Must be a motivated individual who can work effectively within a multidisciplinary team structure
• Desire to learn how to develop, propose, win, and execute long-term research and development plan related to advancing space-based quantum systems
• Strong written, verbal communication, and presentation skills

Preferred Skills

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to manage multiple issues, tasks, and priorities concurrently

Benefits

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.

Salary Range

$123,864 - $170,248

Equal Opportunity

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.