Jobs at Mars Science Laboratory

Design and research embedded-system security mechanisms for authentication, encryption, and anti-tamper protection. Develop and integrate FPGA-based security for high-performance networking and accelerators, analyze interactions among security technologies, and perform large-scale telemetry and algorithmic analysis to strengthen mission-critical systems.

Provide high-volume administrative support for Ground Software & Systems Engineering: travel and badge processing, procurement and PCard orders, meeting scheduling, onboarding/offboarding, recruiting support, SharePoint/Wiki maintenance, event coordination, documentation and presentation preparation, and compliance with policies and safety requirements.

Administer and enhance Workday across Core HCM, Benefits, Talent, Recruiting, Absence, Payroll, and Compensation. Configure business processes, build custom reports/dashboards, ensure data quality, support releases and testing, maintain payroll settings, and serve as Workday SME while partnering with stakeholders.

Design and analyze optical systems (telescopes, cameras, imaging spectrometers) for space and ground instruments. Perform optical design trades, detailed ray-trace analysis, create and maintain performance error budgets, and support alignment, testing, calibration, and hardware development through delivery.

Perform technical QA/QC reviews of electrical design and construction for facilities projects to ensure compliance with NEC/CEC and JPL standards; evaluate load studies, grounding, lighting, power distribution, constructability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure; produce written review comments in Bluebeam, verify corrections, maintain QA/QC records, participate in design reviews, and support continuous improvement.

Develop, deploy, and support web/cloud data management, GenAI pipelines, and 2D/3D visualization software for JPL flight missions and R&D. Support DOM and LSMD systems, telemetry processing, UI/UX dashboards, documentation, and operational compliance across mission lifecycles.

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.

Serve as first point of contact for visitors; manage visitor approvals, check-in, and access compliance with federal security protocols. Work within Vetting & Credentialing to input and verify data, provide customer service, and ensure adherence to policies. Position is full-time on-site and requires U.S. citizenship and background/clearance eligibility.

Lead R&D and technical tasks in advanced communications and signal processing for RF, optical, and quantum links. Drive proposals, strategy, and technical leadership across channel coding, data compression, modulation, receivers, arraying, synchronization, PNT, ranging, and machine learning for space communications.

Support project cost control and resource management by analyzing budgets, funding, burn rates, and financial trends; prepare time‑phased budgets and EACs; produce reports from business systems; validate work agreements and present metrics; collaborate with program/project teams to support planning, forecasting, and performance measurement (including EVM).

Conduct experimental research on trapped-ion and cold-atom systems to develop and characterize precision atomic clocks and quantum timing technologies. Design, build, and optimize laser, vacuum, and control hardware; perform measurements, data analysis, simulations, and publish results while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Design, analyze, and implement optomechanical hardware for space, airborne, and ground instruments. Lead multidisciplinary teams; perform CAD design, FEA and STOP analysis; support procurement, assembly, precision alignment, integration, testing, and environmental qualification of optical instruments and subsystems.

Support NASA/Caltech prime contract and other agreements; assist in proposal and task plan development; coordinate with Legal, Finance, Program Management, and NASA; process NDAs, MOUs, IPAs; maintain contract records and ensure compliance under guidance of senior staff.

Build, maintain, analyze, and report Integrated Master Schedules (IMS); validate schedule/cost baseline integrity; perform DCMA 14-point assessments; support change control and EVM reporting; produce schedule risk analyses, what-if scenarios, and executive schedule summaries; integrate schedule impacts and present findings to technical leadership.

Serve as strategic HR partner for ~1000 engineering employees: advise leaders on talent, workforce planning, employee relations, compliance, change management, learning, and data-driven HR solutions. Lead HR projects, support policy interpretation, and resolve complex employee issues.

Develop and execute media communications for Earth, planetary science, and astrophysics projects. Write news releases, features, blogs, press kits, and social posts; support multimedia products, organize news events, craft strategic and crisis communication plans, and coordinate with JPL, NASA, and external stakeholders to meet tight deadlines.

Drive compensation strategy, design and administer pay programs, perform market benchmarking and job evaluations, consult with HR partners, support annual salary review segments, ensure regulatory compliance, and communicate total rewards policies and tools.

Manage a portfolio of subcontracts from solicitation through closeout for facility management projects. Serve as primary business interface with subcontractors, develop solicitations, negotiate terms and pricing, oversee post-award performance, issue modifications, and ensure compliance with NASA/JPL requirements and FAR guidance.

Lead development and delivery of technical manufacturing training and certification (electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, optical assemblies) for the NASA/JPL MTTC. Design curriculum using ADDIE and course authoring tools, mentor staff, partner with SMEs, upgrade courseware and facilities, and ensure compliance with NASA workmanship and industry standards (IPC/AS9100).

Postdoctoral research to develop and integrate physics-based geodynamic models (plate kinematics, coseismic/postseismic transients, GIA, GRACE mass change) to improve GNSS time series modeling and predict time-dependent crustal displacements. Develop modular Python/C software tools, produce a global plate motion and strain model from GNSS observations, validate surface mass-change signals using GPS, GRACE, and hydrological data, collaborate within JPL, and publish results.