Lead Software Engineer- Uplink Systems

Software Engineer (Uplinks Systems)

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.

The Ground Communications and Architecture Section provides engineering development, implementation, and maintenance of state-of-the-art and high-reliability technologies for NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN).

We're seeking a Software Engineer (Uplinks Systems) to develop and maintain the software systems that control the DSN Uplink Tracking and Command Subsystem. This subsystem performs the critically important functions of signal generation, transmission, and transmitter control to send spacecraft command data as well as the tracking functions to implement spacecraft ranging. This role focuses on real-time signal processing software that interfaces with Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and FPGA-based hardware to generate modulated RF uplink signals supporting all NASA deep-space missions.

You will be a member of the Control Systems and Electronics Group and work closely with teammates across the section supporting all phases of the lifecycle from inception through the end of maturity.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Design, implement, test, and ship iterations of the uplink software package.
• Lead and mentor a small team of software and test engineers, providing technical guidance and managing dependencies.
• Own the software side of the interface to FPGA and mixed-signal hardware, defining and negotiating that boundary with the project team.
• Develop and maintain the signal processing capability of Uplink (error correction, modulation, signal generation), interfacing with software-defined radio (SDR) systems.
• Architect and maintain high-rate data paths between hardware and software, accountable for data integrity and timing across the path.
• Define the verification strategy for the subsystem and build the automated test capability that supports it.
• Maintain the software release schedule, balancing critical mission milestones with the capability and resources of the team.
• Make technical architecture decisions and defend them to stakeholders and leadership.
• Present updates of the project to program leadership in review meetings (PDR, CDR, etc.) showing the project meets the expected capability and minimizes risk.
• Work cross-collaboratively with stakeholders of the internal interfaces to the subsystem and the external users of the subsystem.
• Perform hands-on work testing and evaluating the software deployments in the lab and in the field ensuring requirements are satisfied.
• Work closely with OEs and engineers at the three DSN complexes worldwide (USA, Spain, and Australia).
• Travel occasionally (