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:

JPL’s Inspection Group is seeking an experienced Electronic Inspector III to perform complex inspections of cable harnesses and printed wiring assemblies at both JPL and at our supplier sites. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of NASA and industry IPC workmanship standards, along with strong written and verbal communication skills. This role requires the ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments, including inspections, corrective actions, and process improvement initiatives. Strong leadership qualities are essential, as the selected candidate will mentor, assist, and train less experienced team members while contributing to a positive and collaborative team environment.

As a member of the Quality Assurance Inspection Group (1124) you will report to the Inspection Group Supervisor. The Quality Assurance Office has a culture that is team based, improvement oriented and believes that work can be fun. Be part of a workforce that values input to strategic and tactical plan advice, developing the necessary processes, tools, and innovations to create the best Group possible.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Work directly with project engineers, manufacturing, and production control to communicate hardware status, priorities, nonconformances, and inspection results.

• Perform receiving, in‑process, source, and final inspections, including dimensional verification, workmanship visual inspection, hardware build‑book review, bakeout support, and participation in delivery reviews.

• Participate in Electronic Fabrication’s Corrective Action Board (CAB) meetings and support root cause investigations and implement corrective + preventive action activities.

• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement efforts by developing or enhancing inspection methods, processes, and techniques, and guiding implementation.

• Apply established policies, procedures, and engineering best practices to resolve complex inspection‑related issues.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a High School diploma with a minimum of 8 years of related experience, OR an Associates degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, OR a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 1 year of related experience or related required training.

• Previously certification in the following workmanship standards:

  • IPC-J-Std-001 (Solder)

  • IPC-A600 (PWB)

  • NASA-STD-8739.1 (Polymerics)

  • NASA-STD-8739.4 (Cables)

• Proficient in performing electronic inspections, including Printed Wiring Boards, Printed Wiring Assemblies, Slice Assemblies & Cable Harnesses.

• Proficient in reviewing electrical test reports for Cable Harnesses per NASA-STD-8739.4 (continuity, insulation resistance, dielectric withstanding voltage [DWV]).

• Working knowledge of operating 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment.

• Working knowledge of  PCB design software platforms: Altium and/or ODB++.

• Experienced serving as instructor and/or developed training material for electronic inspectors.

• Proficient in reading and interpreting drawings, procedures and specifications

• Proficient in preparing hardware quality documentation and writing inspection reports, including non-conformances.  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with multiple technical disciplines.

• Willingness to work overtime and travel up to 25%. 

Preferred Skills:

• Current certification in the following workmanship standards:

  • IPC-J-Std-001 (Solder)

  • IPC-A600 (PWB)

  • NASA-STD-8739.1 (Polymerics)

  • NASA-STD-8739.4 (Cables)

• Proficient with JPL systems, such as QARS, IBAT, & EPDM.

• Working knowledge of JPL Type I and II missions, including interpreting QARTAs.

• Strong understanding in quality assurance policies, procedures, and practices

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with peers and cross-functional partners, both within and outside the organization.

• Experienced assisting or mentoring less-experienced personnel on work assignments.

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.