Multi-Agent Robotics Fielding Systems Engineer

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.

This position is for a Robotics Systems Engineer with skills in fielding complex multi-agent robotic systems for the Multi-Agent Robotics Group, part of the Robotic Mobility & Manipulation Section.  

The Robotic Mobility & Manipulation Section develops, matures, and brings to space flight, robotics technology for in-situ exploration of the solar system. Example activities include sampling, manipulation, and mobility systems for planetary bodies (Moon, Mars, Venus, Europa, Enceladus, etc…). The Section also provides robotics expertise for space flight hardware and software implementation along with mission operations support. 

Opportunity: To work with an enthusiastic multi-disciplinary workforce that originates and executes robotics technology development and space flight projects for terrestrial and planetary exploration applications. This role is focused on fielding complex robotics multi-agent aerospace systems on planetary and military robotic vehicles in support of JPL and other missions. The role requires familiarity with various aspects of a robotic system and ability to interface with sponsor, government team, and JPL engineers and other partners to successfully deploy our robotics multi-agent solutions in often challenging environments under time constraints. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience or a Ph.D. in a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.   

• ROS/ ROS 2 expertise **(**DDS and other, C++, Python, RViz, Fox Glove) and Linux on embedded platforms (Nvidia family of products, Raspberry Pi, PX4) 

• Experience setting up and running a large, production quality codebases including version control and CI/CD pipelines in very rapid turnaround (typically 1 month field test cycles and daily integration during field test events). 

• Proven knowledge of low-level software integration (e.g. embedded systems, sensor drivers for ROS2), high-reliability / safety-critical code (fail-safes, ‘sandboxes’ for research code), tooling (optimizing development environments, docker, CI/CD, systems admin), hardware / sensor / payload integration 

• Experience running robotic field tests and proven knowledge of robotics field test safety requirements. 

• Proven proficiency of code deployment (Docker and RPM is a must) on various networked embedded (Nvidia products, Raspberry Pi, and similar) and cluster / cloud compute elements. 

• Working knowledge of all the aspects of robotics (e.g. localization, motion planning, control, hardware, communications, C2)  

• Strong communication skills and ability to work across teams

Please provide contact information for three references 

Preferred Qualifications

• Having performed these functions in  fast paced (DARPA and similar) projects is a major plus. 

• UAS and USV expertise and capability to pilot and navigate FAA, DoD, and NASA requirements is a major plus. 

• Familiarity with space robotics 

• Strong software engineering practices

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.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$149,656 - $186,888

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.

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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.