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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 are seeking a Microdevices Engineer II to join the JPL’s Microdevice and Sensor Section, which provides leadership and is responsible for the development and delivery of sensors and instruments as well as operates and uses the Microdevices Laboratory (MDL), which provides end-to-end capabilities and services for micro- and nano-devices fabrication and characterization.
You will report to the Technical Group Supervisor of the Microwave Systems Technology Group and work independently within a team environment, collaborating on tasks performed across a spectrum of engineering fields.
Tasks include but are not limited to:
Execute the design, analysis, characterization, simulation, test and/or verification of microelectronics/ semiconductor components.
Lead testing of cryogenic flex cables and thermal control of infrared detectors arrays for the Contribution to Ariel Spectroscopy of Exoplanets (CASE) flight project. Support post-delivery for the CASE project.
Execute mechanical and thermal engineering for cryogenic systems optimized for superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) arrays.
Build the apparatus and head the testing of prototype kinetic inductance detector arrays targeting ultrasensitive mid- and far-IR measurements from space for astrophysics and cosmology.
Coordinate the design of the Terahertz Intensity Mapper (TIM) balloon-borne focal plane modules.
Lead the testing and characterization of the flight arrays, and support integration with the instrument.
Participate in the preparations for deployment of a 1.5m crossed-dragone millimeter-wave telescope system.
Future job assignments may include:
Participating in Hybrid engineering design, integration and test for ultrasensitive bolometers for far infrared astrophysics.
Crafting flight-compatible packaging for SNSPDs for space applications.
Design, fabrication, and measurement of superconducting sensor devices and circuitry.
Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or related technical fields with typically a minimum of 3 years of related experience; Masters degree in similar subject areas with a minimum of 1 years of related experience; or PhD in similar fields with a minimum of 0 years related experience.
Experience with superconducting detectors (e.g., transition-edge sensor arrays with SQUID-based multiplexed readouts, kinetic inductance detector arrays with microwave readouts, Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors)
Broad knowledge and operational experience with sub-Kelvin cryogenic systems.
Experience with mechanical, cryogenic, and electrical design and best engineering practices, appropriate for packaging and hybridizing devices to be fielded in a sub-orbital instrument.
Preferred Skills:
Broad knowledge of applicable Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations.
Strong understanding, and wide application of principles, theories, concepts and techniques in design, fabrication and test of superconducting cryogenic devices.
Extensive knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in cryogenic testing and noise measurements at fundamental quantum or thermodynamic limits.
Extensive understanding and wide application of sophisticated principles, theories, concepts and techniques in low temperature physics, condensed matter physics, solid material chemistry, device physics and/or microwave engineering.
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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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.