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NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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Federally funded robot space missions developer
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Work Here?
Federally funded robot space missions developer
Overview
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a federal research center managed by Caltech for NASA. It designs, builds, and operates robotic space missions for planetary exploration, Earth science, and space-based astronomy, along with technology development. JPL translates scientific ideas into real missions using specialized engineering, software, and mission operations conducted by cross-disciplinary teams, often in collaboration with NASA centers and other partners. Unlike many contractors, JPL functions as a government-run R&D center that directly plans and executes missions from concept through flight operations, ensuring national-space capabilities and scientific discovery stay aligned with NASA's goals. The lab’s aim is to turn bold science questions into working space missions and technologies that advance our understanding of the solar system and Earth, while upholding values of being bold, inclusive, and trusted.
About NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Industries
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Pasadena, California
Founded
1936
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- June 2026 FAME flight demos target near-real-time wildfire and flood monitoring.
- May 2026 rotor tests advanced next-gen Mars helicopter hardware beyond Mach 1.
- April 2026 Cal State LA partnership expands JPL’s hiring pipeline and remote-sensing reach.
What critics are saying
- October 2025 layoffs cut 550 employees, after 2024 reductions of 530 staff and 40 contractors.
- NASA’s 2026 budget fight keeps Mars Sample Return funding fragile and mission teams exposed.
- Sustained workforce shrinkage risks JPL losing flight expertise, delaying missions, and weakening institutional survival.
What makes NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory unique
- JPL’s 2026 FAME demos with Loft Orbital prove on-orbit AI autonomy.
- JPL’s Mars helicopter program still pushes rotor blades beyond Mach 1 in 2026.
- JPL combines Caltech research depth with NASA mission execution across robotics and Earth science.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Wellness Program
Paid Vacation
Parental Leave
Childcare Support
Flexible Work Hours
Company News
Loft Orbital has secured an agreement with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to host and demonstrate AI software on its space infrastructure. The collaboration, part of JPL's Federated Autonomous MEasurement project funded by NASA's Earth Science Technology Office, will advance on-orbit AI capabilities for Earth science remote sensing. Flight demonstrations began in June 2026, with additional deployments scheduled through 2028. JPL's AI software aims to reduce data latency by processing information in near-real time, delivering urgent insights on wildfires, flooding and natural disasters to emergency responders. The spacecraft will demonstrate autonomous tip-and-queue tasking without ground intervention using intersatellite links. Founded in 2017, Loft Orbital has flown over 25 missions and operates facilities in San Francisco, Colorado and Toulouse, France.
Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (NASA)YOU'LL NOW BE ABLE TO CHARGE YOUR DEVICES ON THE MOONNASA's next-gen Mars helicopterNASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is working on a concept for a next-generation Mars helicopter that could revolutionize exploration of the red planet.
Pickering retired from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1976 and served for two years as director of the research institute of the University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia.
JPL to lay off 325 employees, about 5% of its workforce, amid budget cuts.
JPL scientists will work closely with Cal State LA faculty on this two-year project to strengthen the university's research capacity in remote sensing.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is Hiring for 66 Jobs on Simplify!
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About NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Industries
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Pasadena, California
Founded
1936
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is Hiring for 66 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today