Instrument Systems Implementation includes groups responsible for the systems engineering, integration and test, advanced concept formulation, and technology development of airborne and spaceflight instruments.

Instrument systems engineering is responsible for the translation of science requirements to engineering requirements and for specifying how these requirements are verified. Instrument systems engineers lead the team that designs an instrument and its associated ground data system. Systems engineers also define technical interfaces, track technical resources, perform analyses to validate designs, coordinate risk management, organize reviews, and establish and exercise configuration management processes. The goal is to deliver and operate an instrument system that is greater than the sum of its parts so that novel science can be achieved within programmatic and physical constraints.

Instrument integration and test is responsible for putting the pieces together and conducting the verifications specified by instrument systems engineering. Test campaigns typically include functional, performance, environmental, and calibration tests. Integration and test teams often must develop ground support equipment with which to exercise the flight instrument to be tested.

Advanced concept formulation is the hatching and maturation of new ideas about how to make science measurements in pre-phase A. Often these studies are in response to announcements of opportunities from potential sponsors. Concept formulation benefits from the operations of our Instrument Concepts Team which features experts in detectors, electronics, software, mechanical engineering, thermal engineering, optical engineering, and other disciplines working concurrently in the JPL Project Design Center.

Groups also exist to develop imaging spectroscopy, in situ, and microwave technologies and flight instruments. Past accomplishments include development of the "Moon Mineralogy Mapper", "Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer", "Advanced Microwave Radiometer," and "Microwave Limb Sounder" instruments.