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$167.5K

How much do nasa jet propulsion lab jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa jet propulsion lab in the United States is $102,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)?

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a federally funded research and development center managed by the California Institute of Technology for NASA. Located in Pasadena, California, JPL is renowned for designing, building, and operating robotic spacecraft that explore Earth, the solar system, and beyond. JPL has led many famous missions, such as the Mars rovers, Voyager, and the Perseverance rover. The lab also conducts research in robotics, artificial intelligence, and Earth science. It plays a crucial role in advancing space exploration and scientific discovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and why are they important?

To thrive at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, you generally need an advanced degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, Python, CAD software, and experience with systems engineering or space mission design are typically required. Outstanding teamwork, communication, and creativity help individuals excel in multidisciplinary, innovative project environments. These skills are critical for driving scientific discovery, ensuring mission success, and fostering collaboration on complex space exploration challenges.

What is the difference between Nasa Jet Propulsion Lab vs Nasa Spacecraft Systems Engineer?

AspectNasa Jet Propulsion LabNasa Spacecraft Systems Engineer
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in engineering, physics, or related fields; security clearance often requiredBachelor's or master's in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related fields; security clearance may be needed
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, laboratories, mission control centers, and field sitesDesign, develop, and test spacecraft systems; collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
Employer & Industry UsageNASA's primary research and development center for robotic space missionsPart of NASA or contractor teams focused on spacecraft systems integration and mission support

While both roles involve spacecraft and engineering, Nasa Jet Propulsion Lab is a research and development institution specializing in robotic missions, whereas Nasa Spacecraft Systems Engineers focus on designing and managing spacecraft systems for missions. The JPL offers broader research opportunities, while the Systems Engineer role is more specialized in spacecraft integration.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)?

Engineers at NASA JPL often face the challenge of developing innovative solutions for unprecedented problems, as many projects involve cutting-edge technology and missions to uncharted environments. Teams must work under tight deadlines and strict requirements, balancing creativity with rigorous testing and reliability standards. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams is essential, and adapting to rapidly changing project needs is a common part of the work. The environment is fast-paced, intellectually stimulating, and requires continuous learning to keep up with advancements in aerospace and robotics.
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Nasa Jet Propulsion Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nasa Jet Propulsion Lab job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,825 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Engineering Applications Software Engineer

Engineering Applications Software Engineer

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Campus, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsibilities

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Artificial Intelligence and Data Science section performs advanced software engineering, data analysis, and operational support to empower NASA/JPL Flight Missions and research initiatives.

As a member of the Advanced Information Analysis and Visualization Group (341C), you will report to the Group Supervisor and provide software engineering, GenAI pipeline development, and operational support to our flight mission and R&D project customers. You will play a key role in supporting the Distributed Object Manager (DOM) and Lifetime Storage of Mission Data (LSMD) systems.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

  • System Development & Support: Provide software development, operational, and customer support for flight mission and R&D projects utilizing DOM and LSMD systems.
  • Cloud & On-Prem Integration: Collaborate with project task leads to design, develop, maintain, and operate data management, GenAI, and data visualization software systems on on-prem and cloud compute/storage platforms.
  • UI/UX & Visualization: Design and develop 2D/3D data visualization software, dashboard tools, and UI/UX interfaces to support ground and flight systems.
  • Lifecycle Deployment: Design, develop, and deploy web and cloud-centric software applications across the entire flight mission life-cycle-from initial formulation through Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations (ATLO) within operational venues at JPL and other NASA centers.
  • Telemetry Processing: Design and develop software solutions to process and serve real-time mission telemetry data from multiple simultaneous sources to multi-mission analysis tools.
  • GenAI Pipeline Engineering: Architect and develop AWS GenAI pipelines optimized for the analysis and visualization of exceptionally large flight mission telemetry datasets.
  • Documentation: Generate and deliver comprehensive software documentation, including requirements, design documents, and standard operational procedures.
  • Compliance: Maintain a working knowledge of applicable Laboratory policies, NASA procedures, and government regulations.
Qualifications

Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline with a minimum of 1 year of related experience, or a Master's degree in a similar discipline with 0 years of related experience.

  • Security Clearance: Willingness to complete NASA's required Level of Confidence background check for physical and logical access to critical NASA assets.
  • Core Technical Proficiency: Strong proficiency in C, C++, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, WebGL, React, MaterialUI, Angular, and AWS Cloud computing/storage platforms.
  • GenAI Expertise: Demonstrated experience developing GenAI pipelines on-prem and in AWS using tools such as Parquet, Athena, Claude, and Bedrock.
  • Software Practices: Knowledge of modern software development infrastructure (GitHub, Visual Studio Code, CI/CD pipelines, automated software testing, and Agile methodologies).
  • Mathematics & Analytics: Excellent applied math skills, including Calculus and Linear Algebra, alongside knowledge of modern data science and ML/LLM techniques.
  • Data Management: Understanding of modern Information Data Management tools, architectures, and best practices (relational and time-series database solutions).
  • UI/UX Design: Experience designing and developing user-facing web and desktop UI/UX software.
  • Problem Solving & Debugging: Exceptional software engineering, algorithm development, system debugging, and technical problem-solving skills in complex environments.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with a proven commitment to customer satisfaction and broad-based teamwork.
  • Prioritization: Ability to establish clear task priorities and manage evolving requirements as flight project data management needs change.
Preferred Skills
  • Direct experience using and developing software for JPL's DOM and LSMD software systems.
  • Knowledge of spacecraft and/or robotic vehicle simulation development.
  • Experience with distributed system design, including multi-process/multi-threaded applications and general-purpose GPU (GPGPU) software development.
  • Experience designing operational dashboards using tools like React and/or Grafana.
  • Knowledge of Digital Twin and Digital Thread concepts and technologies.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$92,976 - $111,072

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.

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