Advanced Dynamics Modeling for Autonomous Space and Robotics Systems

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.

JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL's science and engineering organizations and on Caltech's academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines' languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity's core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and in communicating funded missions' results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to both contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration's challenges. The Postdoctoral scholars at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.

About the Section:

The primary objectives of JPL’s Mobility and Robotic Systems Section are to develop technology for in-situ exploration of the solar system, and infuse this technology into spaceflight missions. They focus on providing capabilities for mobility across and above planetary surfaces, and manipulation for instrument placement and sample collection. This includes system architectures; mechanical and electrical design; and software for perception, control, simulation, and operations.

 

About the Project:

The next generation of terrestrial and planetary exploration missions presents increasingly demanding performance requirements, including higher precision, faster execution, enhanced robustness, and greater autonomy. The selected postdoc will focus on advancing these capabilities through the DARTS (Dynamic and Real-Time Simulation) application.

 

The postdoc’s research will contribute to the continuous development of models and simulations, particularly in the following areas:

• Closed-Loop Modeling Techniques: Advancing the fidelity and speed of component models for space platforms, including rigid and flexible multibody dynamics, aerodynamics, and perception sensors.

• Modeling Algorithms and Numerical Techniques: Developing advanced algorithms and numerical methods in one or more component areas to improve the performance and accuracy of models.

• Simulation Architecture: Creating novel simulation architectures that support the integration and reuse of models across multiple disciplines, such as terramechanics, terrain environments, and illumination modeling.

• Cross-Domain Application: Enhancing simulation architectures to facilitate the cross-cutting application and reuse of models across different domains and missions.

• Real-Time Simulation: Ensuring the models and architectures are suitable for real-time closed-loop simulation use, supporting the design, development, testing, and operation of future space missions.

 

This research is critical to the design and successful operation of next-generation space platforms, contributing to mission readiness and technological advancement in space exploration.

 

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline with physics-based modeling and software experience.

• Experience with C/C++ and Python developer on Linux systems

• Background in aerospace and robotic systems

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to facilitate inter-team information flow and to support review of team products

• Knowledge of mathematics, computer science,  numerical methods and multibody kinematics and dynamics

• Prior experience in architecting and development of models and simulations for robotic and/or aerospace systems

• Prior experience with high performance/GPU computing

• Demonstrated innovation, initiative, and leadership

 

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.

 

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.

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.

$82,180 - $82,180

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.