Robotics Technologist III

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.

Wanted: A Robotics Technologist with skills in software, machine vision and deep learning as they apply to robotic systems or remote sensing for the Robotic Perception group which is part of the Robotic Mobility & Manipulation Section.

The Robotic Mobility & Manipulation Section develops, matures, and brings to space flight, robotics technology for in-situ exploration of the solar system. Example activities include sampling, manipulation, and mobility systems for planetary bodies (Moon, Mars, Venus, Europa, Enceladus, etc…). The Section also provides robotics expertise for space flight hardware and software implementation along with mission operations support.

Opportunity: To work with an enthusiastic multi-disciplinary workforce that originates and executes robotics technology development and space flight projects for terrestrial and planetary exploration applications. This role is focused on developing algorithms and software to support simulation of aerospace, planetary and military robotic vehicles in support of JPL (and other) missions. The candidate would need to work with various projects and translate their needs to configure the simulation and support any additional capabilities that the project might need.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and integrate machine‑vision and deep‑learning algorithms for robotic perception

• Configure and extend simulation environments to support perception development and testing

• Collaborate with robotics and mission teams to translate project needs into perception and simulation capabilities

• Support real‑time perception pipelines for localization, mapping, hazard detection, and motion estimation on planetary robots

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience or a Ph.D. in a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.  

• Experience developing algorithms in machine vision, deep learning, and/or robotics

• Proficiency in C, C++, and Python

• Experience with perception methods such as segmentation, optical flow, feature tracking, SLAM, mapping, or state estimation

• Experience training and deploying deep‑learning models for vision tasks

• Strong communication skills and ability to work across teams

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience applying deep learning to operational robotic systems or embedded/GPU platforms

• Familiarity with simulation tools for robotics development

• Experience with synthetic data generation or use

• Knowledge of field robotics and real‑time perception challenges

• Strong software engineering practices

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.

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.