Jobs at Mars Science Laboratory

Design, analyze, tolerate, align, test, and calibrate telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers. Perform ray tracing (CODE V or Zemax), hardware integration, optical alignment, and measurement. Contribute to optical system architecture, error budgets, and present engineering results while collaborating across teams.

Develop, test, and qualify Hall and other electric propulsion systems (thrusters, cathodes, PPU, feed systems). Design and execute performance, environmental, and life testing; apply laser-induced fluorescence and plasma diagnostics; operate and maintain EP vacuum facilities and support equipment; analyze test data, write reports, and present results. Support test engineering, develop test plans/procedures, work with technicians, and collaborate to transition technologies to flight.

Design and produce print, digital, and environmental communications that translate complex scientific and technical concepts into clear visual narratives. Develop visual concepts, layouts, illustrations, diagrams, wireframes, and high-fidelity digital designs; ensure brand consistency, accessibility, and production-ready artwork. Collaborate with writers, scientists, engineers, developers, and designers across publications, websites, exhibits, campaigns, and presentations.

Serve as JPL's primary authority on the NASA/Caltech Prime Contract and other agreements. Provide contractual interpretation, lead negotiation and execution of complex agreements, manage relationships with NASA/Caltech stakeholders, lead multidisciplinary teams, ensure compliance with Caltech/JPL policies and federal regulations, and maintain contract records while recommending strategic improvements.

Provide on-site systems administration and end-user support in a classified environment for Windows and Linux servers, workstations, VMs, storage, and network devices. Troubleshoot, install, configure, monitor systems, maintain documentation, enforce government security requirements, and support customers including after-hours as needed.

Support JPL Pricing Office by preparing cost/price detail for proposals, task plans, ROMs using approved tools and rates. Perform cost and subcontract analyses, ensure FAR and internal compliance, provide audit support, lead peer reviews, and train staff on cost estimation and proposal topics.

Support lifecycle management of complex Caltech‑NASA task orders: assist with modifications, funding actions, compliance, stakeholder coordination, contractual interpretation, risk mitigation, documentation, and cross‑functional issue resolution under senior guidance.

Postdoctoral researcher will characterize lunar sample textures and mineral chemistry, measure volatile abundances (minerals and glasses) using microbeam techniques, interpret results in petrogenetic context, collaborate with external scientists, lead conference presentations and publications, and pursue independent complementary research.

Provide strategic business support to the Financial and Business Operations Directorate, including budgeting, forecasting, financial and workforce analysis, process improvement, and day-to-day administrative leadership. Partner with leaders to deliver data-driven insights, standardize tools and procedures, manage special projects, and ensure compliance with Laboratory and NASA policies.

Perform FP&A modeling, forecasting, and data-driven analysis to support Lab-wide budgeting and workforce planning. Create executive-ready presentations, maintain data integrity for monthly reporting, troubleshoot variances, collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders as a financial advisor, and support process and system improvements across the Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis organization.

Provide administrative and analyst support for an Earth Science section, including budget development, financial planning and reporting, workforce analysis, procurement and property management. Develop automated reports and dashboards, drive process improvements, coordinate procedures, support safety and facilities, and act as a trusted liaison and advisor to internal stakeholders.

Lead the Cost Accounting Group overseeing project, property, manufacturing WIP and service center accounting. Manage staff performance, internal controls, compliance with prime contract/FAR/CAS, audits, and continuous improvement of cost accounting systems and processes.

Provide project cost, pricing, and resource planning support across the project lifecycle. Maintain institutional reporting and tracking systems, support task order management and proposal cost estimates (including ProPricer and ad-hoc reporting), interface with NASA and stakeholders, and deliver analysis to inform funding, forecasting, and program cost controls.

Lead JPL's total rewards function, managing compensation, benefits, retirement, wellness, vendor relationships, and a specialist team. Define strategy, benchmark markets, ensure regulatory compliance, drive analytics and program design (including executive and variable pay), partner with Caltech and stakeholders, oversee audits and system requirements, and manage budgets and communications to attract, retain, and reward talent.

Design, develop, and test flight electronics and supporting ground test automation. Develop software/firmware and control/automation for test equipment, perform circuit and PWB design, prototype and characterize devices, and support EMI/EMC, RF, FPGA, and GNSS systems through integration and verification for flight hardware.

Develop and validate data-analysis pipelines and noise-reduction algorithms for LISA, integrate instrument and astrophysical systematics into statistical frameworks, advance waveform and population models, collaborate across JPL/Caltech and NASA partners, and help shape long-term space-based gravitational-wave mission and ground-segment capabilities.

Build, maintain, analyze, and report project schedules and related metrics using MS Project Server. Identify schedule anomalies, analyze critical path and logic, support change control, produce summary reports and "what-if" scenarios, and present schedule impact analyses to program stakeholders.

Lead development and maintenance of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), analyze schedule integrity and metrics, validate credibility using DCMA 14-Point, and support cost/schedule integration and change control. Produce schedule reports, identify/mitigate schedule anomalies, support monthly reviews and IBRs, mentor team members, and champion institutional scheduling best practices for flight projects.

Manage and track communications projects for NASA/JPL science missions from request through delivery. Coordinate between mission leads and creative teams, produce and edit web/social content, translate technical milestones into compelling narratives, resolve production roadblocks, and report KPIs to demonstrate program impact.

Manage complex domestic and international multimodal shipments, ensure compliance with hazardous materials and export controls (EAR/ITAR), coordinate DoD/agency air transport of flight hardware, audit carrier performance and costs, recommend routing and vendor changes, lead cross-organizational projects, mentor staff, and develop training on logistics systems and regulatory requirements.