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.

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 encourage 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, build, and encourage something, that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

With an unmatched history building groundbreaking advances in science and technology, JPL has been in the space exploration business since the beginning. We are 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 encourage passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward perfection.

Responsibilities:

The robotics section at JPL, the place where robots for planetary exploration are born! We engage in research, technology development, and the creation of sophisticated robotic hardware platforms and systems from architectural concept through operations.

Members of this team investigate, plan, build and develop robotic hardware for a wide variety of applications and environments. Robots developed by this team are built to operate from the ice expanses of the Arctic to the crushing depths of Earth’s oceans; from the hellish conditions of Venus, to Mars, to the frozen moons of Enceladus and Europa. Teams apply research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems for mobility, manipulation, and climbing; sensors; instruments; and controls.

As an intern on the Mars SRL (Sample Return Lander) you will be responsible for execution and analysis of test cases in simulations or physical testbeds to exercise, tune, and guide implementation of computer vision algorithms. These algorithms will eventually be responsible for guiding the SRL sample transfer robotic arm as it interacts with the various stations to transfer and prep sample tubes for return to earth. You may also be responsible for generation of your own analysis tools or modification and maintenance of existing tools and simulation environments. You will be part of a small team of full-time engineers and researchers responsible for solving this computer vision problem and implementing it on the Lander.

Qualifications:

What it takes:

• Must be available to work at least 40 hours/week, in person, for at least 10 weeks in Summer 2023 (longer duration is welcome up to 16 weeks).
• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelors, masters, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Robotics, or related technical field. Must be enrolled full time in school following the fall or spring term.
• Must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 out of a 4.0 GPA
• Experience with Linux and Python
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: software engineering, computer vision, rendering and simulation, robotics, spacecraft operations, optics.
• Recently completed coursework or research providing an understanding and application of standard principles of the applicable knowledge area(s) above.
• General knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in robotic systems.

What would help:

• Experience with developing and testing computer vision algorithms
• Experience with adapting computer vision into robotic systems
• Experience with Blender
• Experience with cameras or photography
• Experience with other programming languages such as C, C++, and MATLAB.
• Proven leadership abilities.
• Experience working with robots or camera systems through education, hobbies, teams, and/or clubs
• Ability to thoroughly investigate and resolve anomalies discovered through test, including documenting the problem, performing additional diagnostics, collecting and analyzing data, and working with experts across different teams.
• Good verbal and written communications skills with ability to work in a team environment.

The typical hourly rate for this job in Pasadena, California depending on education level is $19 as a freshman, $22 as a sophomore, $26 as a junior, $29 as a senior

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.

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 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.