Julie Townsend joined JPL in 2001 to work on the Mars Exploration Rovers, first in development, integration, and test and later as a cruise operator, and surface uplink lead. She is now a Rover Planner, creating command sequences to drive the rovers and move their robotic arms on Mars.

In 2004, Julie transferred to robotic technology development where she contributes to a variety of tasks, in systems engineering, testing, software development, and mechanical design. Her work includes the multi-limbed LEMUR-II and ATHLETE robots, testing and calibration of the robotic arm for MSL, and mechanical packaging of cameras for use on boats.

Ph.D. (in progress) Aero/Astro, Stanford University
M.S. (2000) Aero/Astro, Stanford University
S.B. (1998) Aero/Astro, MIT

ATHLETE Prototype Lunar Rover 2005-
- System Test Lead
Mars Exploration Rovers 2001-
- Surface Ops: Rover Planner and Tactical Uplink Lead
- Cruise Ops: Activity Lead
- Development and Test: Fault Protection design and verification
360 Camerahead 2009
- Mechanical design and packaging
Mars Science Laboratory 2008-2009
- Sys Eng for Robotic Arm testing and calibration
Robotic Technology Development 2005-2006
- LEMUR-IIa
- Robot Work Crew