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.
As a Senior Aerospace Nuclear Safety Engineer, you will be a member of JPL’s Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering Section, which is responsible for the architecture of mechanical engineering designs and solutions that enable unprecedented
missions and science acquisition. You will work with a team leading the development of mission enabling technology and end-to-end mechanical systems for JPL projects and missions.
We value diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. Your qualification could add tremendous value to our team. We also provide industry-leading flexibility for telework accommodations contingent on project requirements.

In this role you will:

• Work independently as an Engineer in the Dynamics Environments and Aerospace Nuclear Safety Engineering Group.
• Assist in defining the launch phase accident scenarios (e.g., liquid/solid propellant explosion, reentry breakup analysis) and the accident environments resulting from those hypothetical launch and entry/re-entry accidents.
• Specify the blast (overpressure and impulse), the fragment field (size and velocity) and thermal environments from liquid and solid propellant fires which occur during launch accidents, as well as aerothermal heating and breakup during entry/reentry.
• Create and/or review test plans, as well as participate in launch vehicle accident environment(s) testing.
• Investigate launch accident/anomaly accident environments.
• Monitor contractors supporting the accident environment specification activities.
• Provide oversight and contribute to the mentorship and training of junior technical team members.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics or related technical discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience; or a Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; or a PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 5 years related experience.
• Extensive knowledge in one or more of the following areas: aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, combustion, blast physics, aerothermal analysis, multi physics analysis, trajectory analysis, analytical modeling, numerical analysis techniques and statistics.
• Proficient in performing both comprehensive computer analyses and less complex bounding types of analyses.
• Proven ability to lead and work in a team environment with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills and proactive attitude
• May require up to 10% travel.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred, but Not Required:

• Familiarity with the physics of explosions and combustion, desired for liquid and solid propellants.
• Analytic skills necessary to formulate models to assess the blast severity (overpressure and impulse) and fragment threat driven by blast wave.
• Familiarity with numerical techniques such as CFD modeling techniques and interpretation of CFD generated data.
• Familiarity with aerothermal heating for a re-entry body breakup analysis.
• Familiar with programming languages, such as Python, MATLAB, Fortran, etc.

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.
$159,848 - $200,200
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.
EEO is the Law.
EEO is the Law Supplement
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
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.

• Work independently as an Engineer in the Dynamics Environments and Aerospace Nuclear Safety Engineering Group.
• Assist in defining the launch phase accident scenarios (e.g., liquid/solid propellant explosion, reentry breakup analysis) and the accident environments resulting from those hypothetical launch and entry/re-entry accidents.
• Specify the blast (overpressure and impulse), the fragment field (size and velocity) and thermal environments from liquid and solid propellant fires which occur during launch accidents, as well as aerothermal heating and breakup during entry/reentry.
• Create and/or review test plans, as well as participate in launch vehicle accident environment(s) testing.
• Investigate launch accident/anomaly accident environments.
• Monitor contractors supporting the accident environment specification activities.
• Provide oversight and contribute to the mentorship and training of junior technical team members