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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:

The Avionics, Power, & Instrument Electronics Section (345) in the Autonomous Systems and Advanced Software Division (34) provides leadership and unique world-class expertise in defining system architectures and electronics platforms for avionics, motor control, power, and instruments; leveraging simulation, support equipment and PLM solution infrastructure, critical partnerships and technology development.  The Photovoltaic, Electrochemical, and Thermoelectric Systems group (345J) provides support for JPL, NASA, and non-NASA customers by performing basic research, technology development, flight delivery, and mission support.

We invite you to join the Photovoltaic, Electrochemical, and Thermoelectric Systems group (345J) within the Avionics, Power & Instrument Electronics to serve as a Technologist III. You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Photovoltaic, Electrochemical, and Thermoelectric Systems group. Within the Photovoltaic, Electrochemical, and Thermoelectric Systems Group, the Thermoelectric team’s principal focus is the development of advanced thermoelectric materials and Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) technologies to support future NASA missions. The team also performs IV&V testing for state-of-the-art RTG technologies, including MMRTG components.

Projects in the group include:

a) developing next-generation, high-performance thermoelectric materials and thermal insulation beyond state-of-the-art SiGe and PbTe/TAGS materials;

b) infusing the most promising materials into advanced thermoelectric devices for both space and commercial applications, with efforts spanning TRL 3 to 5/6;

c) designing advanced RTG concepts and conducting performance modeling;

d) predicting RTG life performance; and

e) performing IV&V for state-of-the-art RTG technologies and components, including the MMRTG and the Mod1 RTG under development.

The group’s capabilities range from materials synthesis, processing, and characterization (powder metallurgy, hot pressing, spark plasma sintering) to prototype device development and testing, as well as long-duration life testing and lifetime prediction based on physics-based models.

Initial tasks will include:

• Lead the Next Gen RTG industry support effort for JPL.

• Lead the development of skutterudite-based thermoelectric converters for ORNL.

• Complete reestablishing and sustain aerogel material production within the group.

• Pursue new business opportunities and lead proposal development efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline or related technical disciplines with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or PhD in materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline, with at least 2 years of experience working with RTG systems and technologies, and a strong background in thermoelectric device development and testing.

• Extensive experience in thermoelectric converter fabrication, performance analysis, and testing.

• Expertise in skutterudite thermoelectric materials.

• Expertise in aerogel-based thermal insulation production and characterization.

• Proven ability to innovate and lead technology development efforts.

• Demonstrated capability in proposal development and business development activities.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with external organizations and pursue funding opportunities with diverse technical teams.

Preferred Skills:

• PhD in materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline, with at least five years of experience working with RTG systems and technologies, and a strong background in thermoelectric device development and testing.

• Experience with electrochemical systems and technologies

• Experience collaborating with national laboratories, industry partners, or/and government agencies on advanced energy technology materials, devices, and systems development.

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.

$123,864 - $170,248

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.

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