Security Communications Technician III
- US citizenship
- Secret clearance
How this pay compares
This posting states $79.8k–$110k a year. Open technician jobs in California post a median of $73.5k a year, the middle half $57.8k–$86.3k, across 240 jobs that state their pay, so this one is above the middle half of what they post.
About the job
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.
JPL has been at the forefront of space exploration since its inception, building an unmatched legacy of groundbreaking scientific and technological achievements. Developing, testing, and deploying innovative technologies requires the expertise and support of security professionals who protect the people, physical assets, and intellectual property that make these advancements possible.
In this role, you will be a member of the Protective Services Division's Physical and Electronic Security Group (PESG) and report directly to the PESG Group Supervisor. Your primary responsibilities will include installing, maintaining, and upgrading the Laboratory's security public address systems. In addition, you will support the maintenance and operation of, surveillance camera and perimeter intrusion detection systems, including radar-based fence alarm technologies, access control systems, conference room technologies, land mobile radio (LMR) systems, and equipment within the Emergency Communications Center.
Responsibilities
- Lead technician for installing, maintaining, and upgrading the Laboratory’s Public Address system, including all equipment and software. Perform all system programming, generate diagrams, and prepare system design documentation in accordance with industry best practices.
- Assist with the installing, maintaining, and upgrading of the Laboratory’s camera systems, including all digital/analogue camera (fixed, PTZ, quad, and IR) equipment and software. Perform system programming, generate diagrams, and prepare system design documentation in accordance with industry’s best practices.
- Aid with the installing, maintaining, and upgrading the Laboratory’s fence alarm systems, including fiber optic and Infrared equipment and software. Complete all system programming, build diagrams, and produce system design documentation in accordance with industry’s best practices.
- Provide support with the maintenance and troubleshooting of the access control system as needed.
- Identify, recommend, advocate for, and implement any improvements for the camera and fence alarm systems.
- Provide basic troubleshooting for the Laboratory’s LMR system, assisting as needed.
- Assist with the maintenance and upgrade of equipment in the Emergency Communication Center.
- Implement equipment replenishment schedule and proactively monitor equipment lifecycle to ensure adequate replacement program.
- Apply concepts of electronics to interpret and apply electronic diagrams, blueprints and schematics.
- Help with the installation and maintenance of other moderately sophisticated security equipment and electronic systems as needed.
- Collaborate with other Laboratory departments as needed.
- Partner with the other members of the Physical and Electronic Security Group to ensure seamless operation of related and complementary security systems and equipment.
Required Qualifications
- Typically requires a High School diploma with a minimum of 8 years of related experience; Associates degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; Bachelors with minimum of 1 year of related experience; related required training.
- Solid understanding of fundamental job elements related to installation, maintenance, and systems with an emphasis on Axis and Milestone systems.
- Strong understanding of assessing and troubleshooting equipment problems, repairing them if possible, or determining if equipment must be sent off-site for repair.
- Detailed understanding of installing cable runs, cable splice/terminations, and connecting equipment to an existing electronic infrastructure and applies knowledge and skills in this area.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to acquire a Secret Security Clearance.
Desired Qualifications
- Strong MS Office computer skills including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and familiarity with Visio, Paint, or CAD software applications.
- Strong Bogan, Milestone, and Motorola (CPS, RSS, and CSS) skills are highly desirable , along with familiarity of the operation of standard LMR equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, communication service monitors, frequency generators, TIMS, and certain specialized Motorola test equipment.
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.
$79,768 - $109,616
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 .
From NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)'s job posting, checked 12 Nov 2026. Requirements, and whether the role is still open, are settled on the employer's own page.
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About NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
NASA's lab for robotic space exploration, managed by Caltech.
Pay on its listings: 99.3% of its open jobs state their pay
How it pays: Paid as an employee on NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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