Overview:

Do you excel in an environment that values exploration and discovery? We have a universe of opportunities waiting for you!

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is NASA’s lead center for robotic exploration of the solar system. Our core competency is the end-to-end implementation of unprecedented robotic space missions to study Earth, the Solar System, and the Universe.

JPL, located in Pasadena, California, has a casual, 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:

Mechanical Systems Engineering, Fabrication & Test Division - the place where spacecraft are born! We engage in research, technology development, and the creation of advanced mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems from architectural concept through operations.

We lead the mechanical development and implementation of flight hardware and technology for NASA's robotic space missions as part of the Engineering and Science Directorate. Our expertise spans the full breadth of mechanical disciplines.

Members of this team investigate, plan, design and develop mechanical products and systems such as spacecraft, instruments, robots, packaged electronics, controls, engines, and machines, and mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, propulsion, or heat transfer systems for the production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy. They maintain cognizance of and are responsible for all technical and programmatic aspects of the product being developed, reporting the status and performance to the appropriate organizations. Teams apply research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems, instruments, controls, engines, and/or machines.

Qualifications:

What it takes:

  • Must be available to work full-time for approximately 6 months as a co-op for the summer and fall
  • Must be currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelors, masters, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Material/Science, Physics, Robotics, Structural Engineering, or related technical discipline. Must be enrolled full time in Fall 2017.
  • Must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 out of a 4.0 GPA
  • Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design, computer aided design (CAD) and mechanical analysis tool (FEA).
  • Recently completed coursework providing an understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts and techniques in mechanical systems including structures, configuration, mechanisms, structural analysis, and integration and test.
  • General knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in mechanical design.

What would help:

  • Experience with computer aided design and drafting, and spacecraft flight hardware development and test. Working knowledge of mid-level CAD tools (i.e. Solidworks, Unigraphics).
  • Relevant internship experience
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities
  • Ability to solve mechanical design problems, perform trade studies, develop design requirements, perform piece part design, and coordinate fabrication, assembly, and qualification of hardware.
  • Good verbal and written communications skills with ability to work in a team environment.