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.

Quality Assurance Engineers collaborate with all organizations that design, build, assemble, test, deliver, and operate unprecedented robotic space missions in support of NASA's vision. We are a world-class organization with highly skilled and motivated people that minimize project risk by ensuring hardware is built as intended. We demonstrate technical excellence in hardware quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

As a QA Engineer, you will be a member of the Hardware Quality Assurance – Type I Projects Group (512B). You will be responsible for creating, implementing, and managing the Hardware Quality Assurance Program for selected JPL mission(s) that is commensurate with the project risk posture and will be responsible for creating, negotiating, and managing the project-specific QA budget. You will also implement and ensure the consistent execution of a defined set of QA functions and processes including overseeing inspections, monitoring and witnessing fabrication, test, integration, assembly operations, reviewing JPL and supplier documentation, documenting work activities through various reporting mechanisms including Inspection Reports, Inspection Plans, logs, Assembly Inspection Data Sheets, routers, and using various institutional applications to perform work; applying advanced knowledge in field to review suppliers plans (Workmanship Standards, ESD, Quality Assurance Implementation approaches, etc.), identify alignment issues and provide feedback and recommendations on plan; assesses adequacy of supplier's corrective actions. You will also assess risks real-time and use engineering judgment to call a Halt/Stop work when risks are deemed to be unacceptable during fabrication, integration, and test. Will create and guide storyboard and graphics concepts on Proposal or Concept Study Report (CSR) Development and serve as subject matter expert (SME) reviewer on proposals or CSR reviews.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline with typically a minimum of 6 years of related experience; Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 2 years related experience.

• Advanced knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Quality Engineering, Configuration Management, Supplier Management, Audits, Inspection techniques (non-destructive, electronics, mechanical), or Manufacturing processes.

• Extensive understanding and wide application of advanced principles, theories, concepts and techniques in the above areas in support of a large aerospace company.

• Advanced knowledge of applicable industry and standards in design, engineering, fabrication, integration, test and launch of space-flight hardware.

• Demonstrate proficiency in both mechanical and electronic hardware assurance methods (inspection, test, analysis).

• Experience in developing and maintaining Quality Assurance processes, plans and procedures. Understanding of risks and risk management approaches.

• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write reports.

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and leadership skills.

Desired additional qualifications for the position include:

• Understanding of electronic/electrical/electromechanical, optical and mechanical manufacturing processes and associated inspection methods, understanding of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, AS9100, etc.), Process Variation, and Deming’s approach to Systems and experience in fabrication and inspection of ASICs hybrid microcircuits, MCMs, crystal oscillators and relays.

• Previous experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer, manufacturing engineer, process engineer, test engineer, design engineer is a plus.

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.

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 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.