Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineering

A Mechanical Engineer III position just opened up at JPL/NASA in Pasadena, CA . In this role you will be supporting the Manufacturing, Packaging & Test Services Section, contributing to the design, development, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of space flight electronics, microelectronics, photonic hardware, and ground support equipment.

Pasadena, CA 91109 (will be in office 2 or more times per week)

Mechanical Engineer III

Schedule: 1st shift, 9/80 (You’ll be working 80 hours over 9 days, instead of the traditional 10; So for example, you may work 9-hour days Monday through Thursday, and on Fridays, you either work an 8-hour day or take regular day off.)

We do offer paid time offs, holidays, 401k, medical, dental, and vision

The Mechanical Engineer will support the Manufacturing, Packaging & Test Services Section, contributing to the design, development, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of space flight electronics, microelectronics, photonic hardware, and ground support equipment. This role blends advanced mechanical design capabilities with strong technical design execution, requiring broad knowledge of mechanical systems, electronic packaging, CAD modeling, and hardware manufacturing processes.

Coordinate with product delivery leads, technical leads, proposal managers, and project management.

Participate in and sometimes lead design teams to develop space flight and ground support electronic hardware, subsystems, and components.

Generate detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, layouts, sketches, and design studies using NX or comparable tools.

Create and revise designs for components, subsystems, and systems to improve manufacturability, structural integrity, performance, and compliance with engineering standards.

Interface with packaging and manufacturing engineers, designers, analysts, machine shop, Quality Assurance, and project staff.

Plan and produce work instructions for fabrication and assembly of electronic packaging, cable harnesses, and mechanical assemblies.

Prepare for and participate in technical design reviews, including presenting design content and addressing action items.

Solve complex mechanical and packaging design problems, perform trade studies, and develop design requirements supporting hardware qualification and fabrication workflows.

Coordinate design criteria including ease of manufacture, material availability, and contractual specifications with engineering, materials, and planning groups.

Advanced understanding and application of mechanical engineering principles including structures, configuration, mechanisms, structural analysis, integration, and test.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline, with corresponding experience levels.

Strong proficiency with CAD tools such as NX or SolidWorks; Knowledge and practical application of ASME Y14.Broad experience in mechanical and electronic packaging design, including printed wiring board (PWB) design, mechanical chassis, manufacturing processes, and cable harness assembly.

Ability to independently execute mechanical design activities, coordinate fabrication and assembly, and support hardware qualification.

Experience with spacecraft flight electronic hardware development and test.

Working knowledge of JPL drawing release processes and inspection documentation.

Knowledge of soldering operations, cable assembly, SMT electronics manufacturing, and electro-mechanical analyses (thermal, structural, venting).

Experience interfacing with vendors and fabrication services for mechanical, electronic, and PWB manufacturing.

Familiarity with applicable NASA, JPL, and government standards, policies, and procedures.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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