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.

The Facilities and Logistics Operations Division (6400) oversees the physical development, maintenance, and safe operation of the Laboratory’s infrastructure to enable advanced workplaces, resilient systems, and uninterrupted mission support. Within this division, the Facilities Operations Section (642) is seeking a Cleanroom Technician to support the Technical Facilities Management Group (642B). 

The Technical Facilities Management Group delivers a comprehensive suite of services supporting JPL’s cleanrooms and technical workspace infrastructure. These services include cleanroom and research & development lab management, cleanroom engineering and compliance, HEPA filter systems management, cleanroom maintenance, system administration, and cleanroom garment logistics. The group’s mission is to exceed customer expectations for high quality, on-time delivery, and operational efficiency.

Reporting to the Group Supervisor, you will be responsible for managing, maintaining, and certifying cleanroom environments at JPL, on the Caltech Campus, and at affiliate sites.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Serve as an operational technician for cleanrooms and high bays housing critical flight hardware and JPL Critical Items (JCI), directly responding to project-specific task requests.

• Execute comprehensive cleaning in preparation for cleanroom startups, and scheduled maintenance (vacuuming, mopping, wiping, waste management, monitoring and replacing tacky mats and buffer) to ensure compliance.

• Monitor cleanroom activities and protocols to ensure compliance.  Drive corrective actions when discrepancies occur.

• Manage and provision cleanroom garments, consumables, and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) approved products for lab managers.

• Verify equipment and facilities meet environmental conditions.  Report cleanliness anomalies to the cleanroom engineer and safety anomalies to the facility manager.

• Support HEPA filter replacements and/or cleanroom certifications upon request.

• Partner with technical logistics organizations to provide facility interface and logistical support during critical flight system assembly, integration, and testing phases.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a High School Diploma with a minimum of 8 years of related experience; or an Associate’s Degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experiences; or a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 1 year of related experience. Related training required.

• Thorough understanding of applicable policies and procedures in cleanroom fundamentals & practices.

• Solid understanding of general job aspects in Cleaning Controlled Environments, Cleanroom Housekeeping Maintenance, Cleanroom Protocol, Cleanroom Systems, Environmental Air Handling systems, and HEPA Filtration.

• Proven ability to read and execute complex written instructions, adapt quickly to changes in priorities/tasks, and collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams. 

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, and safely work at heights over 70 ft.

• Hands-on experience utilizing basic mechanical hand and power tools.

Desired Skills:

• Prior hands-on experience working in a JPL cleanroom environment or an active flight system processing facility.

• Experience managing and maintaining cleanroom high bays and complex system test facility interfaces.

• Background in training and mentoring others on technical equipment, including cranes and mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs).

• Strong working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Visio) or basic CAD software.

• Familiarity with the aerospace industry and/or other highly regulated, protocol-driven industries.

• Preferred Certifications/Training:

  • Aerial Lift Training & Forklift Operations

  • Crane Safety & Confined Space Entry

  • Lockout/Tagout/Blockout

  • Cleanroom Certification

The nature of this work may require occasional non-standard hours to meet critical project deadlines and support operational requirements.

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.

EEO is the Law.

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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.