NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is laying off hundreds more employees as the prestigious research and development center moves to create a “leaner infrastructure” and cut costs with a tightened budget.
JPL announced on Oct. 12 that approximately 550 positions, accounting for about 11 percent of its total workforce, will be eliminated. The cuts involve staff across technical, business, and support divisions.
JPL Director Dave Gallagher clarified that the layoffs are not related to the ongoing government shutdown, but are instead part of a broader reorganization effort that began in July.
“This week’s action, while not easy, is essential to securing JPL’s future by creating a leaner infrastructure, focusing on our core technical capabilities, maintaining fiscal discipline, and positioning us to compete in the evolving space ecosystem — all while continuing to deliver on our vital work for NASA and the nation,” he said….