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Systems Engineer Jpl Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... space systems! The Artificial Intelligence Group (see ai.jpl.nasa.gov) works on fundamental ... programming languages (in order of preference) such as Rust, C++, C, Python, and Java. โ€ข ...

... the needs of JPL engineers, scientists, and projects. Qualifications * Typically requires a ... Experience with Oracle Purchasing or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system

... the needs of JPL engineers, scientists, and projects. Qualifications * Typically requires a ... Experience with Oracle Purchasing or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system

Sr. Payload Systems Engineer

Westminster, CO

$105K - $144K/yr

Vantor is hiring for a Sr. Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Westminster, CO. The team ... Familiarity with space industry quality and standards frameworks (NASA GSFC, JPL, ECSS, MIL-STD ...

Digital Communications Specialist II

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers ... Partners with scientists and engineers to translate technical information and verify the scientific ...

That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers ... Thorough understanding in Microsoft Office Suite and visitor management systems. * Ability to ...

That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers ... Prepares reports using business system reporting (DE, Cobra, Standard Financial Reporting, OBIEE ...

Robotics System Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Strong systems thinking across software, hardware, operations, and deployment environments ... We bring deep experience from organizations such as DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA ...

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Systems Engineer Jpl information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do systems engineer jpl jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer jpl in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Systems Engineer do at JPL?

A Systems Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and management of complex spacecraft and robotic systems. They ensure that all subsystems work together effectively to meet mission objectives, often coordinating across multiple engineering teams. Their duties include requirements analysis, system architecture development, risk assessment, and verification and validation of the overall system. Systems Engineers at JPL play a critical role in advancing space exploration by solving technical challenges and ensuring mission success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Systems Engineer at JPL, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer at JPL, you need a solid background in systems engineering principles, experience with complex hardware and software integration, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as SysML, MATLAB, and requirements management systems, as well as knowledge of NASA or aerospace standards, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and manage project complexities. These abilities ensure mission success, risk mitigation, and the seamless integration of advanced technologies in space exploration projects.

What is the difference between Systems Engineer Jpl vs Systems Engineer NASA?

AspectSystems Engineer JplSystems Engineer NASA
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Systems Engineering certification often preferredBachelor's in Engineering, Systems Engineering certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch centers, aerospace projects, mission-specific teamsGovernment agencies, space missions, research facilities
Employer & IndustryJet Propulsion Laboratory, aerospace and space explorationNASA, government space agency
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Systems Engineer Jpl and Systems Engineer NASA roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, focusing on aerospace and systems engineering. While JPL is a NASA-affiliated research center specializing in robotic space missions, NASA roles encompass broader space agency functions. The main difference lies in their specific work environments and project focus, but both positions serve the space exploration industry and often attract similar candidates.

What are some typical collaboration dynamics for a Systems Engineer at JPL?

As a Systems Engineer at JPL, you can expect to work closely with multidisciplinary teams that include scientists, project managers, software developers, and hardware engineers. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, coordinating requirements, and integrating subsystems to ensure mission objectives are met. You'll frequently act as a bridge between technical teams to troubleshoot issues, manage interfaces, and maintain clear communication across all project phases. This environment encourages proactive problem-solving and strong teamwork, which are essential for the success of complex space missions.
More about Systems Engineer Jpl jobs
What cities are hiring for Systems Engineer Jpl jobs? Cities with the most Systems Engineer Jpl job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Jpl job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Sr. Payload Systems Engineer

Sr. Payload Systems Engineer

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

Westminster, CO โ€ข On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters-where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.
To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee.
Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Please review the job details below.
Vantor is hiring for a Sr. Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Westminster, CO.
The team is responsible for defining the mission, satellite, and payload architecture behind next-generation space constellations. This role offers direct exposure to complex, integrated systems including spacecraft platforms, optical payloads, laser communications, and advanced onboard processing. We work closely with top-tier industry partners, providing the opportunity to influence and oversee high-impact programs across the full system. Our team is composed of highly experienced engineers and leaders who understand how to deliver. We operate with a deliberate balance of lean execution and disciplined engineering, enabling us to move quickly while maintaining the rigor required for mission success. Just as important, we've built a culture of strong collaboration, shared ownership, and camaraderie-with a clear sense of purpose behind the systems we deliver.
Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the technical interface between the imaging payload and spacecraft bus, ensuring compatibility and joint performance optimization across electrical, mechanical, thermal, and data interfaces.
  • Lead and participate in system-level trades to evaluate design alternatives, performance vs. cost/risk trade-offs, and technology insertion opportunities.
  • Assess and troubleshoot emerging payload and bus designs down to the circuit level using your electrical engineering background.
  • Support radiation analysis and mitigation strategies for electronics in space environments, collaborating with design teams to guide EEE parts selection and architecture-level protections.
  • Perform or review signal and power integrity analyses, and ensure adherence to space-qualified electrical standards (MIL-STD, ECSS, NASA standards, etc.).
  • Model and evaluate payload-level power, data, and timing interactions and contribute to electrical interface control documentation (ICDs).
  • Participate in the evaluation of emerging technologies, COTS/FoS (Commercial/Flyable off the Shelf) hardware, and new mission concepts with an eye toward system-level integration feasibility.
  • Contribute to design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and work across disciplines to ensure the payload systems meet performance, reliability, and environmental constraints.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active secret Security Clearance or have the ability to obtain secret clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
  • 8+ years of experience working with space-based optical remote sensing payloads, especially within LEO missions.
  • Proven experience in electrical systems engineering for space platforms, including familiarity with radiation effects on electronic systems and parts derating/qualification processes.
  • Demonstrated experience with spacecraft-payload interface development, electrical interface analysis, and supporting cross-functional teams across the space segment.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze schematics, block diagrams, and PCB layouts, and perform system-level implications analysis from hardware-level changes.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with current and emerging FPGA, processor, and memory technologies.
  • Previous experience working across payload, spacecraft, and ground teams

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering.
  • Experience with modeling tools such as MATLAB, STK, SPICE, HFSS, or signal integrity/power analysis software.
  • Familiarity with imaging payloads (visible, multispectral, or hyperspectral), data processing requirements, and performance metrics (SNR, MTF, etc.).
  • Experience with fault management, redundancy architectures, and design for reliability in long-duration space missions.
  • Familiarity with space industry quality and standards frameworks (NASA GSFC, JPL, ECSS, MIL-STD-1547, IPC standards).

#LI-MG1
Pay Transparency: To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate's experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.
โ€ข The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $107,000.00 - $143,000.00 - $157,300.00 annually.
For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.
Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.Vantor.com/careers
The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.
The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.
To apply, submit your application via Vantor's Career page.
EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Maxar Technologies logo

About Maxar Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Maxar Technologies, headquartered in Denver, CO, US, is a space technology company established in 1969. Operating in the Aerospace Industry, Maxar's key areas of business include Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure. The products they offer are critical for global communications, environmental monitoring, national security, intelligence operations, disaster response, and more. Passionate about unlocking the potential of space, Maxar's mission is "to build a better world by harnessing space technology". The company prides itself on advancing state-of-the-art technology, delivering exceptional customer service, and driving growth.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Denver, CO, US

Year founded

1969