Students | Careers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Learn to do the impossible

If you're a student, being an intern or postdoc at JPL puts you right in the action, working alongside the scientists and engineers who’ve helped make JPL the leading center for robotic exploration of the solar system. Internships and postdoctoral opportunities at JPL provide a strong pathway to a career with JPL and NASA.

A universe of opportunity

JPL has two types of student programs: one where students are hired as employees through JPL's Human Resources office, and one where students are brought to the Lab as affiliates through JPL's Education Office, in partnership with Caltech. Each program has a different application process, but both share the same exciting and rewarding experiences. Students interested in either program must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited university.

All of the student program opportunities noted below work closely to ensure that students have the same stellar experience at JPL, with opportunities to network, participate in tours, lectures and career advice, and ready themselves for a bright future, regardless of their program.

On this website, you can apply to be hired as a student employee, onboarded by the JPL Human Resources office. These student programs are:

Academic part-time internship (APX)

The APX internship program is for students from local colleges and universities. Students can continue to attend school while gaining valuable working experience.

Co-op internship (Co-op)

Co-ops are for students seeking a full-time internship opportunity. Students take a leave of absence for one semester/quarter from their academic institution to complete a full-time, 6-month internship with JPL.

Summer internship (SUM)

The summer internship program is a full-time internship opportunity during the summer months for undergraduate, and graduate students. Summer interns gain practical work experience they can apply to their studies when they return to school in the fall.

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Additional educational programs

JPL also partners with Caltech to provide an additional student programs through our Education Office and Postdoc Office.

Education Office Internships

Visit the Education Office website to learn more (and apply) to additional internships offered through the JPL Education Office. All internship programs offer similar experiences for students. We encourage you to apply to all opportunities that interest you.

Education Office

Postdoctoral opportunities

JPL offers postdoctoral opportunities to Ph.D. holders who wish to engage in a temporary, defined period of mentored training in research and technology through employment and non-employment programs. View postdoc employment opportunities below.

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Virtual tour

Get the behind-the-scenes virtual tour of some of the most exciting places at JPL, from mission control to the Mars yard testing grounds, and more!

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Student benefits and perks

These will vary depending on program, so be sure to discuss with your recruiter.

NASA missions

Work on projects straight out of sci-fi movies. Childhood space exploration dreams are realized at JPL.

Mentoring

Learn and grow from a diverse, talented group of engineers, scientists, technologists and more.

Paid + paid time-off

JPL student employees are paid. Depending on the program you may also qualify for paid time off.

Fun + social + events

Participate in a summer (or year) full of talks and presentations from the experts. And we also have fun events planned :)

Workplace flexibility

At JPL, depending on your role, you may have the option of a '9/80' schedule, which translates to every other Friday off!

Subsidized housing

Housing and travel allowances may be available based on the type of internship and internship location.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Interning at JPL has been incredible because it’s allowed me to combine two of my biggest passions into one position. As an aspiring journalist with a deep love of all things space, this experience has already taught me key lessons in both fields that I can apply to a variety of different disciplines."

Gabriella Rudy

Mars Public Engagement Journalism Intern

"What I enjoy the most at the JPL is that we are all doing our passion here. You walk in the campus and people around you are working on projects and missions that change the understanding of the world!"

Kalliopi Koutantou

Earth Science Visiting PhD Student Intern

“My experience at JPL working on an actuation system for steering robotic micro-swimmers for ocean world exploration has been very exciting. I am learning how to optimize small robotic actuators by modeling physics principles and conducting trade studies for various electrical components we are developing.”

Kruti Bhingradiya

Extreme Environment Robotics Intern

Career events

Our JPL recruiters and technical representatives participate in many career fairs and conferences throughout the year. They do interviews, talks, and on-the-spot offers, so if you’re interested in a career at JPL, don’t miss out, and register today for an event near you.

Join our talent community

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to receive personalized email notifications for future career opportunities that match your interests.

Graduating Soon?

Named a 2022 Best Place for New Graduates by Forbes, JPL is a great place to jump-start your career.

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Partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions

One of JPL's core values is inclusion. We actively partner with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to recruit and mentor students. Check our career events to see if JPL recruiters are coming to your area.

@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. Or check out our employee reviews on Glassdoor.

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Have a Handshake account through school? Connect with JPL recruiters and find people who'll help you land a job.

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