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Jpl Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers ... programming languages (in order of preference) such as Rust, C++, C, Python, and Java. • ...

Optical Engineer IV

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers ... mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical ...

Optical Engineer III

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers ... mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical ...

... JPL, DoD, aerospace, or equivalent high-reliability development environments. ⸻ Qualifications Required * B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics ...

... mechanical systems and quantum engineering. We invite you to join the Optical & Quantum System ... for JPL quantum space flight instruments. Our expertise includes systems architecting, project ...

Showing results 41-60

JPL Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do jpl mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for jpl mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a JPL mechanical engineer?

A JPL Mechanical Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and oversees the manufacture of mechanical systems and components for spacecraft, instruments, and robotics at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Their work often involves creating innovative solutions for challenging environments, such as space, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success. Mechanical engineers at JPL play a crucial role in building and maintaining the hardware that enables groundbreaking space exploration missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a JPL mechanical engineer?

To thrive as a JPL Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving, and often a bachelor's or higher degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or CATIA), FEA analysis tools, and experience with NASA or aerospace-specific standards are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and creativity are essential to excel in multidisciplinary project environments. These skills and qualities are vital for designing reliable, innovative systems that meet the rigorous demands of space exploration.

What are some common challenges faced by mechanical engineers at JPL, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Mechanical Engineers at JPL often work on complex, multidisciplinary projects that require innovative solutions and precise attention to detail. A common challenge is balancing strict mission requirements with the realities of building hardware that must survive harsh environments, such as those found on Mars or in deep space. Applicants can prepare by gaining experience with systems engineering, collaborating across specialties, and developing a strong foundation in thermal, structural, and materials engineering. Familiarity with rapid prototyping, testing standards, and iterative design processes will also be advantageous.
More about JPL Mechanical Engineer jobs

What states have the most Jpl Mechanical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Jpl Mechanical Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Jpl Mechanical Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Jpl Mechanical Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Jpl Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Data Scientist II

JPL

Pasadena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

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.
Responsibilities
Are you intrigued about artificial intelligence and autonomous systems?
Be part of the team leading the development of autonomous space systems!
The Artificial Intelligence Group (see ai.jpl.nasa.gov) works on fundamental research problems leading to unique software applications in spacecraft autonomy, scientific data analysis, and mission operations automation and onboard analysis for real-time decisions.
Development projects will include automation of ground and flight operations for communications stations, space missions, marine vehicles, and aerial vehicles, including fleets of vehicles. Our software is currently in use for numerous missions including but not limited to: ECOSTRESS, OCO-3, EMIT, NISAR, M2020 and the DSN.
You will use Artificial Intelligence technologies to partially and fully automate critical systems for scheduling, planning and resource allocation. You will support efforts in these areas.
This job will entail but is not limited to:
• Develop planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and execution algorithms for autonomous systems that interpret complex state, resource, constraint, and event data to take actions to achieve mission goals.
• Develop and use search-based, constraint-based, satisfaction and optimization systems to solve large scale planning and resource allocation problems.
• Develop machine learning systems for interpretation of remote sensing imagery and Large multi-modal models for reasoning about imagery, time, patterns, and ramifications.
Qualifications
• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of related experience; Master's degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 1 year of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines.
• Broad knowledge in one or more related fields of the following areas: software development, artificial intelligence, operations research, resource allocation mechanisms,.
• Experience in wide application of principles, theories, concepts and techniques in programming languages (in order of preference) such as Rust, C++, C, Python, and Java.
• Background knowledge in Artificial Intelligence and/or Operations research techniques and concepts. As documented by software artifacts built, tested, etc.
• Experience with architecting large models and Deep learning training and inference pipelines. As demonstrated by available code, papers, documents, etc.
• Experience with large models (e.g. VLM, LLM, Foundation models) including training, deploying, compressing, evaluating, and testing. As demonstrated by available code, papers, documents, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Hands on experience in automation and analysis systems for robotic autonomous systems.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in Software design & development and Computer Science.
• Experience in interdisciplinary team leadership.
• Experience in writing proposals, task plans, and research publications for peer reviewed forums.
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.
$122,720 - $135,512
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.