Thermal Systems Engineer V

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus  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 opportunity is part of the Mechanical and Control Systems Division (3500) , which engages in research, technology development, and the creation of advanced mechanical, robotics, guidance & control, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems. We develop hardware and systems from early architecture through design, fabrication, subsystem and system-level integration and test.

As a Level V Thermal Systems Engineer , you will be working for the Thermal, Propulsion, and Materials Engineering Section (353) , which provides leadership and unique world-class expertise in a wide range of technologies and technical discipline areas, including chemical and electric propulsion, thermal, materials, contamination control, analytical chemistry, and multiphase flow. This section is responsible for design, analysis, fabrication, testing, integration, and operations of thermal and propulsion flight systems for JPL missions.

This section is also responsible for providing materials and process engineering, contamination control engineering, materials testing, and analytical chemistry support to technology and flight programs. You will be a member of the Payload Thermal and Cryogenic Systems Group (353P) and will report to the Group Supervisor.

We are seeking an adaptable, high-energy professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced setting and is comfortable navigating ambiguity. The ideal candidate possesses a risk-tolerant mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities to innovate, and excels in an evolving environment where decisiveness and agility are key to our collective success.

• Be the JPL systems engineer responsible for overseeing specification, implementation, V&V of a flight system or payload thermal control system, reporting programmatically to the project payload and flight system managers and administratively to the Thermal, Propulsion & Materials Engineering Section Manager (3530)
• Be cognizant of the technical design, status and issues of a flight system or payload thermal control system throughout the development lifecycle (Phases A through
  
  D) assuring that thermal products and processes meet JPL institutional standards and document non-compliances
• Responsible authority to plan, direct and control financial and labor resources, schedule, make risk management decisions and performance commitments in fulfilling the project’s objectives
• Management of flight system or payload thermal risks
• Provide thermal technical leadership as an individual or member of a management team
• Oversee development of flight system or payload thermal interfaces, coordinating between stakeholders to assure operable, reliable and safe interactions between systems
• Present work in management and project reviews as required
• Represent the flight system or payload thermal system at system engineering team meetings, leading and contributing to design trades at the project system level

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (thermal or…