NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to issue layoff notices to 5% of its workforce 

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which is responsible for various robotic missions exploring Earth, the solar system, and the universe, has announced it will be laying off approximately 325 employees, or roughly 5% of its workforce,  

The announcement was made by Laurie Leshin, JPL Director, on November 12, 2024. The layoffs will begin on November 13, 2024.  

“I believe this is a stable, supportable staffing level moving forward,” Leshin said. “While we can never be 100% certain of the future budget, we will be well positioned for the work ahead.” 

JPL has previously conducted layoffs back in February 2024. This affected around 530 employees, which is about 8% of the workforce, along with around 40 additional contractor staff.  

Leshin said the choice had been made due to “continued funding challenges” and the struggle to meet the current budget goals for the fiscal year of 2025. However, Leshin added that this action would be happening “regardless of the recent election outcome”. 

“We have been working through multiple workforce scenarios to address the dynamic funding environment, and that we have been doing everything we can, in partnership with our colleagues at NASA and elsewhere, to minimize adverse effects on JPL’s capabilities and team,” Leshin said. “Unfortunately, despite all these efforts, we need to make one further workforce reduction to meet the available funding for the fiscal year of 2025.” 

The cuts will affect almost every part of the laboratory, including technical, project, business, and support areas. Leshin said JPL plans to adjust the workforce, whether it’s funded directly by projects or funded on overhead costs.  

“With lower budgets and based on the forecasted work ahead, we had to tighten our belts across the board, and you will see that reflected in the layoff impacts,” she stated. 

Additionally, as part of workforce assessment and determining where reductions are being made, the JPL has taken time to “complete a full review of competencies, future mission needs, and have established guidance for core capabilities, Leshin said.  

After these layoffs, JPL’s workforce will consist of around 5,500 regular employees. 

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