Q&A With NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Employees
At JPL we ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share new discoveries to inspire generations to come. The more we learn about our universe, the more we discover about ourselves.
How employees describe working at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
robotics that are mechanically used
Mission related to world exploration.
People are smart and driven. Even in the face of such adversarial management policies they tackle the science and engineering challenges with motivation, new ideas and hard work.
Listening and better telework policies and parental leave.
All areas of space administration.
What it's like to work at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory employees generally work 9.6 hrs a day
- Employees at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory report the work pace is comfortably fast
- 91% of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory employees look forward to interacting with their team every day
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory employees never get valuable feedback on how to improve at work
- 69% of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory employees call their work environment positive
Q&A With NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Employees
IDX: 0 TOT: 31
What are company outings like at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
6 times more
How's the work life balance at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
I work from home two days a week (JPL calls the telecommuting arrangement "Flex-Work"), and work start and end times are flexible for my role. This really helps the work-life balance.
What should I wear for an interview at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Make sure you wear a comfortable shoe (women - heels, men - dress shoes) as you may be walking. Depending on where you go, there are hills and stairs.
What's the company culture like at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Relaxed, college campus feel to it.
What do people at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory think about the CEO? What do they do well and what can they improve?
Mixed views regarding the new CEO. Make things....areas of improvement - HR, how they treat some of their employees (who aren't engineers).
How does NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory make decisions around promotions?
Not sure, but from my side of the fence it seems to be about favoritism, hook ups and so on.
How much and how often do raises happen at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Annually. Some get lump sum (based on performance/contribution), percentages.
How's the work pace at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Depends where you work.
What's the best part of your job at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
The work that they do.
How can I improve my chances of being hired at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Being an external candidate should increase your chances by at least 60%
How's the feedback proccess at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Not good. If your in denial about the feedback being received, nothing will get done.
How do you feel about going to work at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory everyday?
It no longer feels the same and it becomes harder everyday.
How difficult is it to maintain a social life while in your job at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Depends on where you work and your role.
How challenged are you at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
I've been challenged quite a bit during my time at JPL.
What's one thing you wish you'd known before joining NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
That I wouldn't be able to advance or be supported by the laboratory or management.
How's the morale at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
I really can't comment here.
How much diversity is there among employees at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Ha! Depends on what you mean by diversity. There are people here from many different countries, so there's diversity in that sense. But women in the roles of leading management? Not many. Certain minorities in lead roles of administration? None existent.
What's the office layout like at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Cubicles and a variety of buildings. It's like a college campus with hills. Because they've moved staff back onto the laboratory from outside buildings, they're making cubicles smaller.
What unique perks and benefits does NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory provide?
Because we're contracted by NASA, there are no perks. You have the standard benefits - medical, 401K and so on. There's the 9/80 schedule option and some flexibility in one's schedule, but that's it.
What's the pay like for Admin roles at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Depends on how long you've been here and the level you're at. Another factor is how you rank. If you are a low performer, then your level, pay and raises will reflect that.
What's the vibe like in the Admin dept at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory? How many hours are you working?
Its okay. The administrative support talk about the things they hear about leadership/management. Administrative leadership talks about the administrative staff. Depending where you work and how heavy the work load, 40+ hours.
What's the Admin team like at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
Can be good if you have a good fit. The administrative leadership contributes to that. As with everything, there's bad apples in the basket. People who don't want to be collaborative or carry their own weight (work load); those who feel they've paid their dues and don't have to perform certain tasks and just mean girl behavior.
How's the leadership on the Admin team at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
The administrative leadership at JPL is a hit or miss....it seems like it can be more a miss. If they like you, then they're supportive, encouraging and will help you advance. Anything else, your on your own. Favoritism is the name of the game here and its a very cliquish.
What interview questions does NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory ask?
Mostly about your history and about your understanding of the job. Mostly people are trying to figure out if you are technically sound and understand the basics, and they can stand being in the same room with you.

