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NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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JPL Employee - Optical Engineer NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Employee Review

3.0
Feb 3, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interesting & unique work. Great resources. Many smart people. Overall, very good people, and most are very happy to be there. Great campus like feel and great location.

Cons

Difficult to get into the inner click and get the best projects. They tend to pigeon hole you, and they do not count experience gained elsewhere. They hire to many Phd types and not enough workers, so many people are under utilized. Difficult to transfer projects. They ask what you want to do, but if it is not where they need you then they basically tell you that it is not possible. They are pretty blatent in their age discrimination unless you are part of the inner circle. Specifically, they require the hiring of new grads even during down times, and they give younger employees more opportunities to try new things than veterans who have done those things but not recently.

Explore other reviews about NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- great culture - impactful projects - well organized internship program

Cons

- they give a stipend, not standard salary

4.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent fit for superconducting detectors, KIDs/TKIDs, cryogenic readout, microwave systems, and quantum/space sensing. JPL has work in superconducting devices, microwave readout, quantum detectors, and advanced sensors.

Cons

Salary; Many restrictions, internal review, export-control considerations, and delays before publication.

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