Power Systems Engineer V

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:

Challenge yourself to take a significant role in the development of JPL’s next generation of electronics, power systems, and technology to reliably propel JPL missions to the inner and outer solar system.  As a Power & Electrical Systems Engineer V for the Power Systems Engineering group, you will be working within the Avionics, Power, & Instrument Electronics Section. This section is responsible for design, analysis, fabrication, testing, verification and operations of electronics, electrical ground support equipment, and power flight systems for JPL missions. This section is JPL's technical center of excellence for advanced computing, instrument electronics, motor control electronics, advanced power electronics, thermoelectric, electrochemical, and photovoltaic technologies.

We are seeking an innovative, experienced Power Systems Engineer V to develop and implement end-to-end power subsystem solutions, including supporting business development, and flight delivery oversight.  As a systems engineer, you will be involved in all phases of the mission life cycles including technical concept development, cost and schedules, hardware implementation, delivery, and operations. A systems engineer is highly motivated, creative, and experienced with the ability to oversee, balance and integrate technical and program-related issues in an end-to-end manner to ensure that the total system satisfies the project and mission requirements. 

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Development and manage power system and electrical system requirements and V&V plans on JPL lead projects/missions   

• Develop power system architectures and power subsystem definition on new mission proposals  

• Lead power system sizing & resource management

• Manage electrical interfaces across a spacecraft to ensure a self-compatible, robust design implementation and to support the fabrication of flight harnesses

• Work effectively with power designers in defining optimum architectures

• Lead architectural trades and make decisions to optimize systems across technical, schedule, and cost constraints

• Develop the grounding architecture and implementation in support of a compliant EMI/EMC approach

• Produce detailed and accurate design products in support of hardware development and to document the as-built configuration

• Maintain, develop, and enforce standards for power and electrical systems engineering architecture, design, and execution including clear expectations for quality

• Present complex power system concepts to different levels of line management, project management, and other technical personnel 

• Providing mentorship, insight and oversight of systems engineering practices  

• Representing the section and JPL as a Power and Electrical Systems expert and making decisions critical to project and mission success

• Interacting regularly with flight projects and counterparts on systems engineering definition and development.  

• Convenes review boards and leading peer reviews as necessary 

Other requirements include:  

• Sophisticated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Analog Electronics, Controls, Power Systems Design, Systems Engineering, Electrical Systems Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Integration and Test  

• Deep understanding and wide application of advanced principles, theories, concepts and techniques in Power Systems Engineering  

• Experience in power electronic designs including schematics, reliability analysis, board layout, and testing

• Experience delivering flight hardware, supporting ATLO operations, and in-flight operations.

• Expert knowledge of grounding, EMI/EMC, harness design, electrical compatibility, signal integrity, safety and inhibit architectures, battery management, pyros and propulsion drivers, and multi-stage vehicles

• Knowledge related to the development, testing and integration of solar arrays and batteries for space applications 

• Experience with standard electronic test equipment: oscilloscope, power supply, logic analyzer, etc

• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose complex problems to determine the root cause

• Experience in power converter topologies, power switching, and closed-loop power control systems and their implementation using microcontrollers and/or FPGAs

• Excellent oral and interpersonal skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, or related technical subject area, typically with a minimum of 12 years of related  work experience, or Masters in a similar discipline with a minimum of 10 years of related work experience, or PhD in a similar discipline with a minimum of 8 years of related work experience.

• Recent demonstrated experience in defining a deliverable and managing a team that meets schedule and cost constraints to produce the deliverable. 

• Demonstrated leadership abilities with excellent oral and written communication skills. 

• Extensive knowledge in JPL flight electronics and harness development processes and manufacturing flows. 

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interface with institutional and project management at all levels, as well as mentoring technical staff. 

• Recent experience developing a task plan that includes an integrated schedule, cost estimate and phased development plan. 

• Extensive knowledge on the observables in electronic control systems and data acquisition systems. 

• Proven ability to plan the strategic development of new products. 

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience with development of JPL power subsystem hardware, electrical interfaces, and complex integrated systems 

• Complete knowledge of industry and/or academic practices and standards across a range of applications in embedded system development. 

• Demonstrated capabilities in hardware development, process improvement and leadership. 

• Complete knowledge of Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations across a range of applications. 

• Previous experience with flight project practices on JPL missions. 

• Familiarity with Altium Designer, LTSPICE, and PLECS

• Knowledge of industry and or academic practices and standards across a range of applications related to the development, testing, and integration of electronic assemblies for space applications

• Validated ability to multi-task with an established track record of meeting schedule milestones

• Military, Aerospace & Space hardware development experience

• Experience with power conversion designs for harsh radiation environments and mitigation strategies

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.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

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.

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.

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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.