Scientific Applications Software Engineering I

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.

Responsibilities:

Do you excel in an environment that values exploration and discovery? We have a universe of opportunities waiting for you!

 

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is NASA’s lead center for robotic exploration of the solar system. Our core competency is the end-to-end implementation of unprecedented robotic space missions to study Earth, the Solar System, and the Universe. We are proud to be part of NASA and Caltech, as we explore the universe and make history through new discoveries. JPL, located in Pasadena, California, has a casual, 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.

 

We operate a cloud-based Science Data System (SDS) section that ingests satellite telemetry and systematically processes it into calibrated, geolocated, and quality-controlled higher-level science data products. The SDS leverages elastic cloud computing, automated workflows, and robust monitoring to ensure scalable, repeatable, and timely product generation. This architecture enables reliable end-to-end data delivery from mission operations to the global science and applications communities. This Section is actively involved in concept formulations of autonomous on-board SDS for NASA and commercial applications.

 

JPL is seeking a Cloud Systems Software Engineer I to contribute to exciting new opportunities developing data systems supporting flight missions. Flight missions develop and operate data-intensive science data systems that produce large amounts of data that need to be processed, stored, organized, searched, and analyzed. This requires developing and architecting systems that successfully utilize latest technologies (including cloud) to meet data processing and data storage requirements. As a member of the Interactive Tools and Pipeline Automation Group you will provide software engineering support to NASA missions, projects, and tasks and report to the Group Supervisor.

 

 Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Working directly with Cog-Es and development leads to design/develop new capabilities, fix bugs, and document systems.
• Developing data processing workflows and software related to data products.
• Designing, developing, integrating, and testing software capabilities in compliance with interface and requirements documents.
• Developing software on the cloud using open-source tools – e.g., Elasticsearch, Conda, Terraform, Apache HTTP Server (web server), Python Flask, AWS CLI (AWS command line utility) etc.
• Developing new tools and services and contributing to their design based on the use cases defined.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or Mathematics with a minimum of 1 year of related work experience; or a Master's in a similar discipline with 0 years of related work experience.
• Knowledge of software development discipline Including software development lifecycle, requirement development, verification & validation, Configuration Management and issue tracking.
• Experience with agile development framework and sprint lifecycles, including sprint/task planning, code review, CI/CD and associated tool stacks (GitHub/GitLab, JIRA).
• Experience in scientific application programming utilizing Python.
• Experience with Jenkins, Docker.
• Experience with Linux, Docker container technologies, messaging protocols, REST-based interfaces.
• Experience with IAC concepts and technologies such as Terraform and/or CloudFormation.
• Experience with AWS cloud processing, services and data storage strongly preferred; specifically, familiarity with the AWS console, EC2 instance management, S3 storage, Lambda, SNS/SQS, and concepts like Autoscaling groups and basics on how networking & security works.
• Willingness and/or passion to utilized GenAI coding tools and agents to assist in the software development process.

 

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Experience working with a team to turn prototype algorithms into delivered software products.
• Experience managing software build processes in Linux environment.
• Experience in data science and big data technologies.
• Understanding of concepts of large-volume data processing workflows (Airflow) and management.

 

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.

$94,328 - $115,648

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.

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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.