Technical Learning and Development Specialist IV

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:

The NASA/JPL Western Region Manufacturing Technology Transfer Center (MTTC)

offers technical training courses in the fabrication, assembly and inspection of flight and ground support hardware. The center was established in 1964 to train and certify technicians, inspectors, engineers and quality engineers, from NASA, JPL, various government agencies, and private industry.

Do you enjoy instructing others? We are looking for a Training Specialist IV for the NASA Western Regional Training Center Group to join a team that is responsible for providing instructional support and certification to operators, inspectors and instructors and develop competency in the NASA workmanship standards.

You will also support the Training Center’s ongoing modernization efforts by designing and enhancing technical courseware, implementing updated training methodologies, and collaborating closely with subject matter experts. This position focuses on hands‑on technical instruction, course development, curriculum improvement, and maintaining robust certification programs; without responsibility for directing teams or overseeing strategic leadership activities.

Tasks include but not limited to:

• Provides advanced technical instruction and certification in NASA workmanship standards for operators, inspectors, and instructors.

• Applies instructional design principles (ADDIE) to analyze learning needs and develop updated, high‑complexity technical course materials.

• Analyze learning needs based on standard instructional design and development methods and assist with preliminary data reports including gathering and/or calculating required data.

• Design, develop, and deliver complex technical training for a variety of modalities using standard course authoring tools.

• Implement appropriate instructor led and/or multimedia learning methods and approaches and deliver technical curriculum in a variety of subject areas.

• Applies advanced knowledge of electrical, mechanical, electro‑mechanical, and optical assembly manufacturing processes and partners with Subject Matter Experts to standardize, develop, and deliver internal course materials that align with current standards, procedures, and organizational requirements.

• Contributes to the development and refinement of training center facilities, tools, and course infrastructure to enhance delivery of technical instruction.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with a minimum of 9 years of related work experience; or Master’s in a similar related discipline with 7 years of related work experience.

• Ability to deliver instructional material in both group and one-on-one classroom environments.

• Knowledge in some of the following areas: manufacturing, electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical and optical assemblies to the NASA workmanship standards.

• General understanding or experience in manufacturing, quality assurance and process improvement.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and procedures. Has familiarity with Engineering, Technology, Quality Assurance, Production and/or Manufacturing and prior experience in workmanship training including:

• Soldering

• Cabling / Harnessing

• Polymeric Applications

• Mechanical Assembly

• General knowledge of laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures and/or government regulations across a range of applications is a strong plus.

• IPC (J-STD-001, A-620, A-600) and/or NASA Instructional Certification(s) is strongly desired (ex. 8739.1, 8739.4, 8739.5). 

• Experience developing courseware is strongly desired

• Accredited NASA Level A workmanship trainer is strongly desired

• Familiarity with AS9100 compliant centers is strongly desired.

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.

EEO is the Law Supplement

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.