NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
NASA's federally funded research center for robotic space exploration, managed by Caltech; builds and operates Mars rovers, deep space probes, and Earth science missions.
Overview
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a federally funded research and development center in Pasadena, California that Caltech manages for NASA. It designed, built, and operates all of NASA's Mars rovers, flew the Voyager probes, and runs the Deep Space Network that communicates with spacecraft beyond the Moon. JPL staff are Caltech employees, not federal civil servants, so JPL posts its own jobs and internships separately from NASA's. The lab has been through a difficult budget period: it laid off about 530 employees in February 2024 and about 550 more in October 2025. In May 2026 NASA announced it will compete JPL's management contract for the first time in decades, with Caltech's current agreement ending September 30, 2028.
Student Insights
Separate from NASA hiring
JPL is managed by Caltech, so you apply through jpl.jobs or JPL's Academic Engagement Office, not through USAJOBS. That office runs the JPL Summer Internship Program, the JPL Year-Round Internship Program, and the JPL Visiting Student Research Program, and hosts partner programs such as Caltech SURF and NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars.
Be realistic about the job market
JPL cut about 530 employees plus about 40 contractors in February 2024 when Mars Sample Return funding fell, and about 550 more in October 2025 as part of a reorganization. Separately, NASA said in May 2026 that it will open JPL's management contract to competition, with Caltech's agreement ending September 30, 2028. Internships have continued, but full-time openings depend heavily on NASA's budget. Treat JPL as one target among several rather than a sole plan.
Who can apply
JPL's HR-run student programs (summer, co-op, and academic part-time) require a minimum 3.00 GPA and current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program. Eligibility for foreign nationals depends on the role: citizens of countries on NASA's designated countries list generally must be lawful permanent residents or hold protected status, and students associated with those countries by birth, dual citizenship, employment, or academic institution are usually ineligible. High school internships are offered only in some years; JPL suggests students 16 and older check in December or January.
AI Outlook
JPL develops robotic technologies for autonomous operation of spacecraft and rovers, which it lists among its technology projects.
Student Hiring
Typical Roles
Notable Programs
- Mars rovers
- Voyager
- Deep Space Network
- Explorer 1 (first U.S. satellite)
Career Connections
AeroEd career pathways relevant to NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).