A universe of expertise

To do what has never been done before, we need a whole universe of expertise, and that's reflected in our wide array of career paths.  

Engineers building the future

If you want to be part of humanity's greatest engineering challenges, JPL is the place to be. 

Electrical engineering

From payload electronics, data-handling subsystems, motor control electronics, test equipment, and avionics and flight subsystems—we do it all. 

Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineers have the unique opportunity to build a spacecraft end-to-end from design to fabrication and testing, to advanced mechanical, thermal and propulsion systems.

Systems engineering

Innovative and reliable systems engineering, formulation and testing are critical in making our complex missions successful. 

Autonomous systems and robotics

Developing cutting edge autonomous systems and robotics technologies for terrestrial, inter-planetary, and interstellar exploration never gets old. We are seeking experts in avionics, power electronics, rover mobility, guidance & control systems, sensors, actuators, and software for robotic perception, control, simulation and operations.

Groundbreaking science and research

By understanding the science of other bodies of our universe, as well as our own planet Earth, we can paint a clearer picture of where we can come, and where we're going. That's just some of the science and research work at JPL. 

Earth science

Earth scientists at JPL study the atmosphere, cryosphere (the parts of our planet where water is frozen), oceans and solid earth using a combination of spacecraft data, modeling and laboratory work.

Astrophysics and space science

Our astrophysics and space scientists study the physics and origins of our galaxy, as well as our entire universe. These areas include cosmology and black holes; the evolution of galaxies; the origins of stars and planets; and our sun and solar winds. 

Planetary science

JPL planetary scientists study the atmosphere, surface and interiors of bodies in our solar system, as well their microbiology and chemistry. We have renowned Geologists, who study volcanoes, tectonics and more, both here on Earth and in other planetary bodies. 

Postdoctoral programs

JPL provides significant training for the nation's future scientific and technological leaders through our postdoctoral programs. Learn More 

Technology drives exploration

We have ambitious computer science and technology goals—and we need stronger and smarter systems to meet them all. 

Software engineering

We create never-before-seen solutions for journeys into space, such as high-reliability flight software that runs on the spacecraft, and ground software for planning spacecraft activities. Software engineers also create unique analysis software in a wide array of applications to simulate spacecraft, instruments, environments, and to navigate spacecraft.

Information technology

Recognized by industry as a multi-year Computerworld Best Places to Work in IT winner, JPL offers unique and once in a lifetime challenges for IT professionals. We work on the cutting edge of computing, discovering, and redefining boundaries. In addition to building and supporting critical infrastructure, providing vendor relations, and technical support, IT works in a flexible and agile environment enabling professionals to be a part of the latest technologies for collaboration within the JPL community, vendors, startups, other centers and universities.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity engineers and technologists protect the integrity of JPL’s data and algorithms. They develop data-driven methods for detecting security events in science and engineering operations data through emerging protocol substrates, such as blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

New technology makes spacecraft more capable, independent, and able to maneuver, solve problems, and decide which intriguing targets to explore, without having to phone home and wait for a reply. For that we need technologists who can build computing platforms that operate beyond straightforward automation. 

Mission support

Before and after launch, our mission support groups are important partners to our success. 

Deep Space Network (DSN)

The Deep Space Network (DSN) is NASA’s international array of giant radio antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, plus a few that orbit Earth— and they are operated by JPL 24/7, 365 days a year, from multiple locations around the globe. Working on the DSN provides an indispensable link to explorers venturing beyond our planet, and creates a crucial connection for commanding our spacecraft and receiving never-before-seen images and scientific information. 

Safety and mission assurance

Protecting our people and our spacecraft is key to our success. Our safety and mission success teams analyze, predict, anticipate, and mitigate risk, and respond to the unexpected. If something breaks, safety and mission success engineers will determine how and why. They protect our planet and other plantetary bodies from extraterrestrial contamination, properly manage chemicals, radiation and other hazardous materials. 

The business of space

Behind the missions there is a large community of professionals in a wide variety of areas including business, administrative, finance, operations, facilities, communications, education and outreach. 

Business, administration, acquisitions

A successful mission has to overcome more than the technical engineering and scientific challenges. We have to procure the right parts, manage budgets, and keep the Lab running. 

Human Resources

Human Resources (HR) professionals ensure that all employees are taken care of both at work and at home. They focus on a wide variety of areas, from recruitment to training, leadership development, employee engagement, and more. 

Communications and outreach

Sharing what we learn and discover is core to our mission, and a benefit to humanity. Our communications professionals share news, tell our stories, foster education, and advocate for our work and our causes. Our Emmy-Award-Winning creative teams have sparked the world's interest in space and continue to inspire generations to come. 

Join our talent community

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Career opportunities
You too can be part of one-of-a-kind science, research and technology that help our fellow humans, here on Earth and one day out there in space. We also offer careers in the business of space, including administration, communications, human resources, finance and more. 
Electrical Engineering

Our employees

We're more than our missions, science and innovations. Get to know JPL employees and be inspired by their stories. 
Electrical Engineering

@NASAJPLCareers

Whether you LinkedIn, Insta, Tweet or Facebook, follow us @NASAJPLCareers on social media to stay up-to-date on JPL happenings, exclusive behind-the-scenes looks, and career opportunities. You can also check out our employee reviews on Glassdoor.
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Get the merch

There is no official dress code at JPL, but we do love our swag! Saw the launch and need that shirt? Want to wear what employees are wearing? Check out the JPL store for the latest JPL merch!