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.

This unique opportunity is part of the Mechanical Systems Engineering, Fabrication and Test Division which engages in research, technology development, and the creation of advanced mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems with expertise that spans the full breath of mechanical disciplines and is applied from architectural concept development through operations.

Section 352 creates innovative, technically excellent products in an inclusive team environment that offer creative and novel solutions for JPL’s boldest missions.

As the Structural Engineer you will be working for JPL’s Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering Section, which is responsible for the architecture of mechanical engineering designs and solutions that enable unprecedented missions and science acquisition.  You will work with a team that leads the development of mission enabling technology and end-to-end mechanical systems for all JPL projects and missions.

• Perform structural analyses (FEA and Classical Hand) and support static, dynamic, and testing for flight projects, study tasks & proposals. 

• Provide structural engineering knowledge to project personnel and contractors through all phases of the project; from early system level configuration studies to preliminary design review (PDR), critical design review (CDR), manufacturing, assembly, and finally verification and validation through static, dynamic, and modal testing.

• Collaborate with other structural engineers and dynamists on assigned projects and other team members to verify compliance with requirements and customer expectations.

• Contribute to the team’s performance including executing technical work, budget and schedule.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering or related technical discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience; or a Master's degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 5 years related experience.

• Wide-ranging experience and advanced knowledge in structural analyses techniques including classical hand analyses and computer analysis tools.

• Extensive knowledge of structural failure mechanisms including material failure in metals and composites, instability of structural elements, and fatigue and fracture mechanics.

• Extensive knowledge of structural dynamics and static equivalent loading as well as random vibration analyses, separation analyses & rigid body dynamic simulations.

• Extensive knowledge of verification requirements for structural analyses combined with experience performing spacecraft level static and dynamic testing.

• Strong ability to work system tasks, and adept at communicating with multiple interfaces.

• Proven ability to work in a team environment.

• Good communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills.

Desired Skills:

• Working knowledge of FEA codes and pre & post processing tools such as MSC or NX/NASTRAN, FEMAP, ABAQUS, and HYPERMESH.  

• Other preferred computer skills include MATLAB, NX CAD and Teamcenter, SolidWorks.

• Experience providing structural analysis, requirements specification, and test support to space flight projects.

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. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$141,856 - $169,416

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.

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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.