NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Cuts Another 5 Percent of Workforce

For the second time this year, JPL is reducing headcount to contend with a tight budget.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 12:36 PM ET

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NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 2024 has reduced headcount by about 13 percent, or 855 employees, as it navigates a tight budget. [Courtesy: NASA]

Key Takeaways:

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has conducted its second round of layoffs this year, cutting 325 employees and bringing the total 2024 workforce reduction to 13% (over 850 personnel).
The layoffs are a direct result of JPL needing to meet its fiscal year 2025 budget allocation and affect nearly all areas of the laboratory.
JPL leadership believes this action will establish a more stable workforce moving forward, anticipating no further significant reductions in the foreseeable future.
These reductions at JPL highlight broader budget challenges facing NASA, impacting other projects like the cancellation of the Viper lunar rover and potential future mission cuts.

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For the second time this year, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)—the division of the space agency known for building spacecraft like the Martian rovers Curiosity and Perseverance—is laying off hundreds of employees.

In a statement to employees, JPL said it cut 325 employees, or about 5 percent of its workforce, across almost all areas of the laboratory, including technical, project, business, and support teams. The layoffs, which JPL said are necessary to stick to its fiscal year 2025 budget allocation, follow a headcount reduction of 530 employees in February. The lab has now cut about 13 percent of its personnel in 2024.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.