Mechanical Engineer, Academic Part-Time Intern

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:

We have an exciting opportunity for a student to join our Mechanical Systems Engineering, Fabrication & Test Division as an Academic Part Time (APX) intern. The Mechanical Systems Engineering, Fabrication & Test Division engages in research, technology development, and the creation of advanced mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems from architectural concept through operations. We lead the mechanical development and implementation of flight hardware and technology for NASA's robotic space missions as part of the Engineering and Science Directorate. Our expertise spans the full breadth of mechanical disciplines. Members of this team investigate, plan, design and develop mechanical products and systems such as spacecraft, instruments, robots, packaged electronics, controls, engines, and machines, and mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, propulsion, or heat transfer systems for the production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy. They maintain cognizance of and are responsible for all technical and programmatic aspects of the product being developed, reporting the status and performance to the appropriate organizations. Teams apply research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems, instruments, controls, engines, and/or machines.

Qualifications:

• Must be available to work part -time in the Fall, Winter and Spring school sessions and possibly full- time during the summer.
• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelor, masters, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Material/Science, Physics, Robotics, Structural Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 out of a 4.0 GPA
• Must live within 50 miles to JPL so that you are able to work on site if needed.
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design, computer aided design (CAD) and mechanical analysis tool (FEA).
• Recently completed coursework providing an understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts and techniques in mechanical systems including structures, configuration, mechanisms, structural analysis, and integration and test.
• General knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in mechanical design.
• Experience with computer aided design and drafting, and spacecraft flight hardware development and test. Working knowledge of mid-level CAD tools (i.e. Solidworks, Unigraphics).
• Relevant internship experience
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Ability to solve mechanical design problems, perform trade studies, develop design requirements, perform piece part design, and coordinate fabrication, assembly, and qualification of hardware.
• Good verbal and written communications skills with ability to work in a team environment.

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 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.