Optomechanical Engineer III

Job Details

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.

Responsibilities:

The Instruments and Communications Division is known for the development and infusion of technologies that enable advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. Our expertise spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum - from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet (UV). Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers and other in situ instruments, ground and space-based RF and optical systems, and innovative sensors.

We create novel material systems and fabrication techniques that unlock new concepts and mission architecture. We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advanced communication systems, and develop navigational tracking to understand where we are and how to ensure robust engineering and science data return.

The Optics & Spectroscopy Section provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are essential to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems in the following areas: research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis, and implementation;

optical hardware integration and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.

We invite you to join the Optics & Spectroscopy Section to serve as an Optomechanical Engineer III. You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of Optomechanical Engineering. The Optomechanical Engineering group (364F) develops and implements precision structure for optical instruments. Projects range from spaceflight, to airborne, ground, and testbed systems. Applications include large-aperture telescopes, spectrometers ranging from UV to IR, coronagraph components, and detector packaging.

We seek an Optomechanical Engineer III to support the optomechanical design, analysis, and implementation of various optical instruments, including telescopes and spectrometers.

Tasks will include but not be limited to:

* Own optomechanical hardware through its full lifecycle, including design, analysis, review, procurement, assembly, integration, and precision alignment

* Lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver subsystems or instruments that meet technical requirements, cost constraints, and schedule commitments

* Use CAD tools to design precision spaceflight instrument parts (including optics and kinematic mounts), airborne instrument parts, and/or ground support equipment (GSE)

* Conduct structural finite element analysis (FEA) and structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analysis

* Support integration and test (I&T) activities including precision alignment and environmental qualification

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, optical engineering, or related technical field with a minimum of 6 years of hands-on hardware experience;
Master's degree in similar fields with a minimum of 4 years of related work xperience; or Ph.D. in a similar field with a minimum of 2 years of related work experience in an area related to mechanical and/or optical engineering.

* Experience with CAD tools (e.g., NX or Solid Works) and mechanical drawings.

* Experience with…