JPL Employee Memo

Keith’s note: the JPL Center Director sent this message to all JPL employees earlier today. Full memo below.

Colleagues,

For the past few months, I have communicated openly about our need to create a streamlined infrastructure that enables us to operate more efficiently, make decisions more quietly, and remain competitive in our rapidly changing environment. We continue to take thoughtful but necessary steps now to shape the Lab for the future.

As part of this organizational realignment, we are taking steps to restructure and establish an appropriate size to ensure future success. I’m sharing the difficult news that JPL will be conducting a workforce action tomorrow, Oct, 14, resulting in a layoff of approximately 550 colleagues, or 11% of our workforce. This reduction is part of a reorganization that began in July and not related to the current government shutdown. Unless otherwise notified, all personnel are required to work remotely tomorrow.

Following the workforce action, those continuing with JPL will be notified of their role in the new Lab structure, which will become effective Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Please watch this short video from me (see here) with a message about these changes and the path ahead. Within the same link, you will find more information, Including resources and frequently asked questions. At 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, we will host a short, virtual Lab-wide meeting to share what to expect related to the layoff. A calendar invitation will be sent later today.

I recognize this is a tremendous amount of change in a short period of time and will be challenging for our entire community in the coming weeks. While not easy, I believe taking these actions now will help the Lab transform at the scale and pace necessary to help achieve humanity’s boldest ambitions in space.

To our colleagues who will be leaving JPL, thank you for your many contributions to the Lab, our community, NASA, and the nation. We are truly grateful for your service, advancing exploration and innovation in ways that benefit us all.

To everyone, I encourage you to take advantage of the resources available through the Human Resources site, including our Employee Assistance Program and more.

Please take care in the days ahead and continue to show the kindness, respect, and support that define this community.