Dr. Charles D. Norton, Chief Technologist (Acting)

Dr. Charles Norton was appointed as the acting JPL Chief Technologist in June 2022. Since joining JPL in 1998, Charles has held technical and managerial positions including principal technologist, program area manager for NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office via JPL’s Earth Science and Technology Directorate, Engineering and Science Directorate formulation lead for small satellites in the Formulation Division, and technical group supervisor in the Instruments Division.

His early career efforts in the Instruments Division were infused into multiple flight projects and infrastructure capabilities. In addition, Charles developed and managed many small satellite flight missions for NASA, in the process developing extensive relationships with leading new-space and traditional commercial aerospace companies in the U.S. and internationally.

Charles has served on four National Academies of Sciences committees and on many JPL strategic and investment committees. His achievements also have been recognized with the JPL Lew Allen Award, NOVA Award, and the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal. He holds a B.S.E. in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University and a M.S. and Ph.D in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.