JPL Life

Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory – JPL for short – is a federally funded research and development center managed by Caltech. Amid a sprawling and picturesque campus-like setting, where deer and other critters are a common sight, there are limitless possibilities for high-tech innovation.

JPL's main activities involve robotic space and Earth science missions – for example, we've visited every planet in our solar system and landed four rovers on Mars (five after Perseverance). Life at JPL includes a dedicated and diverse population of scientists, engineers, technologists, developers, communicators, designers, safety experts, business administrators, and more. They think big and dream big.

Our robust internship program trains the next generation of explorers, and JPL collaborates with many countries to develop future space missions.

JPL benefits from its direct connections to Caltech, a world-renowned university, and NASA, the federal agency that is the gold standard of space exploration, inspiring people across the globe.

The JPL Experience

The combination of individualism and teamwork is a winning equation for JPL's success. Everyone is encouraged to think creatively and introduce new ideas, and teams with multiple skill sets work together to explore the farthest reaches of our solar system and the universe, and unlock mysteries of our home planet.

Forward-thinking ideas may emerge in meetings held in high-tech conference rooms, or over lunch or coffee at one of the many outdoor tables sprinkled throughout the Lab's beautiful grounds. The greenery now includes native California plants, thanks to an employee suggestion during JPL's internal "Shark Tank"-style session, where JPLers can propose ideas which, if approved, receive prompt funding.

JPL's culture revolves around our values of openness, integrity, diversity and inclusion, quality, innovation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. . We are proud to have communities of engaged individuals who participate in our Employee Resource Groups and dozens of interest clubs.

Every week is different at JPL, and we always have more to learn and enjoy. We enjoy frequent events that enhance the employee experience and development through talks, panels and workshops about science, engineering, technology and cybersecurity, to name a few topics. Also included in the mix are some ice cream socials, talent shows, live music performances, and outdoor fairs.

Whether it’s through employee involvement in mentorship programs, or our partnership with United Way, a big part of life at JPL is giving back — to our communities, to the world, and to future generations.

Interested in joining life at JPL? Visit our careers website to find available opportunities. And stay connected to our culture, jobs and internships through our careers social media channels on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Glassdoor.