Digital Communications Specialist II

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Job Description

Plans, organizes, researches, writes, edits, formats and produces communication products for relevant audiences through media such as websites, digital outlets, and communications products. Translates complex mission data (Planetary, Earth, Astrophysics) into clear narratives.

Job Description

As part of the Media & Strategic Communications section, work with the Digital Content, Media, and Missions communications teams to deliver written, digital, and physical products and services in support of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and JPL’s Flight Projects and Strategy & Formulation Directorates.

This role requires exceptional writing skills, a proactive approach to content development, and the ability to maintain momentum across multiple concurrent digital tasks. Requires the ability to balance long-form evergreen storytelling with the immediate demands of a newsroom environment. Facilitates coordination between the science community, distribution outlets, and NASA personnel to ensure the success of high-impact initiatives that deliver value on the public's investment in NASA and JPL. Operates with a high degree of curiosity and autonomy to research, write, and polish content that meets NASA’s rigorous standards for scientific accuracy and engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Researches, writes, and edits high-quality content for websites, social media, and digital platforms, ensuring narrative consistency across all channels.

• Transforms complex scientific data and technical milestones into clear, engaging narratives for non-technical public audiences.

• Develops both long-form evergreen thematic stories and time-sensitive mission news updates under tight deadlines.

• Partners with scientists and engineers to translate technical information and verify the scientific accuracy of all communication products.

• Oversees the production of digital assets by collaborating with graphics and video teams to ensure a cohesive visual and narrative flow.

• Fields requests from managers and mission leads, identifying the best narrative approach and executing projects with minimal direction.

• Formats and polishes content for specific digital platforms, ensuring all products are clear, concise, and optimized for audience engagement.

• Monitors and refreshes existing web and digital content to ensure accuracy and relevance as mission goals and discoveries evolve.

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree in Creative or Technical Writing, Communications, Journalism, Science Technology or related discipline with 3 years of experience, or a Masters degree with 1 year experience or PhD with 0 years experience.

• Portfolio of work demonstrating the ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into clear, compelling narratives for a public audience.

• Proven ability to field requests from stakeholders and execute high-quality products across web and social platforms with minimal direction.

• Demonstrated curiosity for NASA/JPL science and the ability to pivot between diverse mission themes and news cycles.

• Proficiency in digital content management systems (WordPress, custom CMS) and a functional understanding of web optimization, including readability and engagement metrics.

• Experience coordinating with creative teams such as video producers and graphic designers to drive projects from concept to final delivery.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in writing, editing, and digital content production.

• Experience working within a scientific, technical, or aerospace environment.

• Proven skills in research and interview techniques to gather relevant information from subject matter experts.

• Experience with management and metrics tools like Sprinklr, Parsely, Meltwater, and others

• Previous writing experience at NASA or aerospace news outlets.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.