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.
This unique opportunity is part of the Mechanical Systems Engineering, Fabrication and Test Division which engages in research, technology development, and the creation of advanced mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electronic packaging systems with expertise that spans the full breadth of mechanical disciplines and is applied from architectural concept development through operations.
As a Cryogenic Development Technician I, you will be supporting the Electronic Manufacturing, Packaging, & Technical Services Section, which provides engineering services that include the following: fabrication of electronics (boards and cables/harnesses), microelectronic and photonic hardware; electronic packaging, manufacturing engineering and electronic hardware thermal/structural analysis; advanced electronic packaging engineering, technology development and process engineering; technical facilities management and cleanroom services/certification; custom measurement systems development and instrumentation services; calibration services, test equipment loan pool and metrology engineering, and technical inventory management, cryogenics services and Flight Hardware Logistics Program (FHLP).
Responsibilities:
- Provides support to the JPL Cryogenic Services Group in both indoor and outdoor work environments. Tasks are approximately 75% physical and 25% administrative in nature.
- Records daily activities via smartphone app and scanner.
- Fills orders and issues cryogenics products and supplies per customer requests, and documents transactions.
- Prepares requests for supplies, computes costs, and keeps records of the cryogenics supply inventory.
- Assists with the transfer of cryogenics liquids from the large liquid nitrogen system to smaller cryogenic containers for distribution.
- Loads and unloads cryogenic products such as nitrogen, argon, and helium in liquid and gas forms.
- Delivers and retrieves empty cylinders, valve connectors, replacement fittings, and cryogenic supplies to and from customer locations at JPL.
- Coordinates routine preventative maintenance in coordination with representatives from the Pressure Vessel Systems Group on the cryogenics filling station, high pressure dewars, cylinders and vacuum pumps which includes: changing fluids, purging, pre-cooling, and cleaning various cryogenics systems.
- Diagnoses mechanical problems of cryogenic systems and containers such as removing ice plugs, detecting leaks, fixing and/or replacing relief valves on cryogenic vessels.
- Operates material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks or dollies to move cryogenic containers or reorganize inventory.
- Uses computerized system to generate invoices, receipts, and track inventory.
- Informs supervisor of the need for additional standard stock items or cryogenics products.
Qualifications:
- Typically requires a High School Diploma with a minimum of 3 years of general experience.
- Experience with high pressure (1,000psi+) gaseous/liquid systems.
- Knowledge of hazardous systems, such as cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, and pyrophoric.
- Knowledge of pressure vessel system safety protocol and proper handling.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs. or more.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience using computer database systems like Oracle or SAP.
- Experience operating propane or electric forklifts.
- Experience in power and gas, military, aerospace or other high-reliability operating environments.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling).
- Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem-solving plays a critical role.
- Use of precision measuring instruments (calipers, torque wrenches, gauges).
- Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics.
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. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$55,120 - $67,912
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.