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Jpl Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EMCS Manager & SCADA Compliance Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers ... Experience in mechanical systems and/or computer science with an emphasis on HVAC principles ...

Data Scientist II

Pasadena, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Testbed Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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

Testbed Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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

Components Engineer, Sr. (BT-26118)

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform a variety of duties in the electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, and/or optical areas ... Routine technical and programmatic interface with JPL Project Managers, Project Element Managers ...

New

Thermal Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · Remote

$130K - $179K/yr

... NASA, JPL, DoD, and leading science and technology innovators. Since 1997, our mid-sized ... Mechanical Design Engineer 2 - $130,000 to $149.000/year Mechanical Design Engineer 3 - $150,000 to ...

Thermal Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site +1

$130K - $179K/yr

... NASA, JPL, DoD, and leading science and technology innovators. Since 1997, our mid-sized ... Mechanical Design Engineer 2 - $130,000 to $149.000/year Mechanical Design Engineer 3 - $150,000 to ...

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 Aug 16, 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 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.

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.
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:

Infographic showing various Jpl Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

EMCS Manager & SCADA Compliance Engineer

JPL

Pasadena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 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.
The Facilities and Logistics Operations Division oversees the physical development, maintenance, and safe operation of the Laboratory's infrastructure to enable advanced workplaces, resilient systems, and uninterrupted mission support. Within this division, the Facilities Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Section, which assumes end-to-end ownership of the physical work environment and responsibility for the overall physical maintenance and safe operation of the Laboratory, is seeking an EMCS Manager & SCADA Compliance Engineer to provide high-level technical leadership, quality assurance, and operational compliance oversight for the Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks, and Facilities Operational Technology (OT) related to M&O functions. This position serves as a primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) bridging Facilities Operations, M&O Subcontractors, and Enterprise IT/Cybersecurity organizations.
Reporting to the Facilities Management Group Supervisor, the selected candidate will ensure that all EMCS and SCADA networks adhere strictly to Laboratory and NASA policies and regulatory requirements.
Tasks include but are not limited to:
EMCS Technical Oversight, Design Reviews & Capital Projects
  • Manage EMCS network configuration and utility metering system for the Lab, including but not limited to JACEs, Distech, Smart II, Eaton Power Control Center, EnergyCap, ION.
  • Perform complex design reviews and plan checks for new construction, reconstruction, and retrofit projects involving EMCS. Participate in project punch walks and report technical findings to ensure long-term maintainability and sustainability.
  • Identify EMCS infrastructure upgrades for implementation.
  • Support other teams during project acceptance and commissioning.
  • Assess the physical condition, remaining useful life, and obsolescence of EMCS and metering assets to support Facilities Condition Assessments (FCA), Deferred Maintenance studies, and facility audits.
  • Develop, update, and enforce technical design guidelines, standard Sequences of Operation (SOO) related to EMCS and HVAC mechanical systems.
  • Provide technical support and direct assistance to internal customers when unresolved subcontractor issues involve EMCS performance, environmental control sequences, or SCADA data inaccuracies.
  • Serve as a liaison with NASA HQ on EMCS network and configuration.

SCADA/OT/IT Integration, Metering & Systems Maintenance
  • Collaborate with operations personnel on network routing and protocol issues (BACnet IP/MSTP, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA) across EMCS and smart meters.
  • Execute software upgrades, version control, and security patch management across SCADA/EMCS application servers, Java Application Control Engine (JACE) controllers, and related computers. Drive Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) practices.
  • Identify and implement EMCS control sequence optimizations and logic adjustments to support Laboratory energy conservation targets.
  • Partner with IT, Cybersecurity, and Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) specialists as the Facilities OT Subject Matter Expert-providing technical evidence, baseline configurations, network architecture details, and operational data needed to maintain SCADA/EMCS System Security Plans (SSPs) and NASA federal compliance standards.

Institutional Leadership, Mentorship & Inter-Agency Collaboration
  • Continuously monitor, evaluate, and stay abreast of emerging technical developments, advances in controls automation, OT cybersecurity, and HVAC/EMCS industry standards; evaluate novel technologies for implementation across Laboratory facilities.
  • Participate in inter-agency working groups and peer teams across NASA Centers to contribute technical expertise toward updating facilities OT, EMCS, and controls standards.
  • Participate in the technical development of solicitation documentation for facilities contracts and subcontracts.
  • Serve as a multifunctional project/team leader; mentor and coach junior engineers, operations staff, and contractor partners across and outside the organization.

Required Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience; OR a master's degree in a similar discipline with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; OR a PhD with 5 years of related experience.
  • Tridium/Niagara Certified (N4 TCP required).
  • Demonstrated experience with Direct Digital Controls (DDC) hardware, electrical systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS), and energy management.
  • Demonstrated expertise and troubleshooting capabilities with Tridium/Niagara, Siemens, and Distech systems.
  • Thorough understanding of principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in HVAC, central plant operations, and EMCS integration.
  • In-depth knowledge of applicable industry and academic practices for reviewing, updating, and enforcing EMCS standards, procedures, guidelines, and specifications related to HVAC mechanical systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and applied experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and their application within Operational Technology / Industrial Control Systems (OT/ICS) environments.
  • Proven problem-solving capabilities and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated technical documentation skills.
  • Self-starter with the ability to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative member of project teams in a dynamic, fast-paced technical environment.
  • Proficient in MS Office programs and standard PC application software.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Focused Engineering Background: Experience in mechanical systems and/or computer science with an emphasis on HVAC principles, central plant operations, and EMCS sequence optimization.
  • Strong ability, desire, and flexibility to take on dynamic, evolving assignments within the organization.

Note: The nature of this work may require occasional non-standard hours to meet critical project deadlines and support operational requirements.
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.
$132,184 - $173,056
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.
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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.