Rover Systems Engineer
Job Description
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to join the Mars Sample Return Mission team. This critical role involves designing and testing systems for the next generation of Mars rovers that will collect and cache samples for eventual return to Earth. Key Mission Objectives: - Lead integration of the Sample Handling Assembly (SHA) into the rover's core systems - Develop contingency procedures for extreme Martian conditions (-140°F to 70°F) - Coordinate with international partners including ESA on interface compatibility Daily Responsibilities: • Conduct systems requirement reviews with science payload teams • Oversee thermal vacuum chamber testing of rover components • Create fault trees for potential mission scenarios (dust storms, comms outages) • Validate autonomous navigation software through field tests in Mojave Desert analog sites Technical Environment: - Work with: RAD750 radiation-hardened computers, X-band comms systems - Tools: MATLAB/Simulink, Teamcenter, DOORS requirements manager - Standards: NASA-STD-8739.8 (wire harnessing), ECSS-E-ST-70C (spacecraft testing) Team Structure: You'll report to the Mars Program Systems Lead while mentoring 3 junior engineers. Weekly collaboration with: - Astrobiology Science Team (potential biosignature analysis) - Entry/Descent/Landing Group (EDL constraints) - Mission Operations (daily planning cycles) Physical Requirements: • Ability to work in cleanroom environments (full bunny suit) • Occasional travel to: - Johnson Space Center (Houston) - ESA ESTEC (Netherlands) - Atacama Desert (Chile) for field tests Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain Secret clearance (US Citizenship required) Compensation Package: • Base Salary: $145,000 - $180,000 • Relocation assistance to Pasadena, CA • Comprehensive healthcare (including on-site occupational medicine) • 15% premium pay for overtime during critical test phases Application Process: Phase 1: Technical questionnaire (3 week response time) Phase 2: On-site interview with simulation exercise Phase 3: Background investigation (90 day typical duration) This position represents a unique opportunity to contribute to humanity's first attempt to return samples from another planet. The selected candidate will work alongside Nobel laureates and help write the next chapter of solar system exploration.
Responsibilities
• Lead cross-functional team through critical design review (CDR) • Develop verification matrices for all flight systems • Maintain technical budget allocations (mass/power/thermal) • Present status reports to NASA Advisory Council quarterly • Author white papers for future mission concepts
Experience
7+ years
Job Summary
- Published on: July 29, 2025, 9:29 p.m.
- Job Type: Full Time
- Experience: 7+ yearsli>
- Region: California
- Job Location: Pasadena
- Salary: $145,000 - $180,000
- Qualifications: • MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field • 5+ years spacecraft systems experience (planetary missions preferred) • Deep knowledge of: - Space systems engineering (INCOSE CSEP certification ideal) - Radiation effects on electronics - ISO 14644-1 cleanroom protocols • Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain
- Application Deadline: Aug. 29, 2025
