Job Details

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.

The Facilities and Logistics Operations Division (6400) oversees the physical development, maintenance, and safe operation of the Laboratory’s infrastructure to enable advanced workplaces, resilient systems, and uninterrupted mission support.

Within this division, the Logistics & Operations Planning Section (643) manages Lab-wide logistics operations, including centralized control of all equipment and manufacturing assets; end-to-end material requirements planning, material movement, delivery, and inventory; and specialized technical services in metrology, measurement systems, and project flight hardware.

Within this section, we are seeking a Medium Duty Driver II for the Transportation & Fleet Management Group (643B). In this role, you will drive trucks, buses, shuttles, vans, forklifts, and other specialized equipment to transport equipment, materials, and personnel to various locations on and off the Laboratory. The Medium Duty Driver supports the daily operations of the Transportation & Fleet Management Group, overseeing the safe and efficient movement of equipment, personnel, and mission‑critical assets. This role ensures operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with policy and transportation regulations. The ideal candidate is organized, detail‑oriented, and eager to apply advanced knowledge of transport services to material movement, high‑value asset transportation, and logistics operations.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Transport equipment, materials, and personnel safely across the Laboratory and to off-site locations.
• Plan efficient routes and estimate transit times to ensure dependable transport.
• Conduct routine vehicle checks prior to use, monitor vehicle performance, fuel vehicles, and perform loading/unloading duties.
• Identify and report less obvious vehicle maintenance issues to ensure fleet readiness.
• Assist with the specialized transport of heavier items and critical, high-value assets (e.g., flight hardware).
• Perform all work in accordance with Institute and regulatory agencies, safety standards, and industry and Laboratory best practices.
• Record deliveries and field activities accurately via digital scanners and other mobile devices.
• Troubleshoot basic field or delivery issues.
• Resolve day-to-day, common customer service inquiries efficiently and professionally.
• Interact with your direct supervisor, teammates, and customers on a regular basis.
• Assist less experienced personnel with routine work assignments.

Required Qualifications:

• Typically requires a High School diploma with a minimum of 6 years of related work experience, or an associate's degree with 1 year of related experience; or equivalent required training.
• Demonstrated experience operating forklifts, commercial trucks, and other specialized transportation equipment (e.g., heavy-duty tugger vehicles).
• Demonstrated experience operating a bus and passenger shuttle within passenger transport operations (e.g., airport shuttle, student transport, public transit), including ADA wheelchair lift operations (preferred).
• Maintains a valid California Commercial Driver’s License (Class B) to drive single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less with air brakes.
• Maintains Passenger (P) endorsement to drive buses and other personnel transportation vehicles.
• Maintains Air Brakes endorsement and a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Medical Card).
• Possesses a valid, current forklift certification for transportation duties.
• Clean driving record.
• Ability to safely lift, move, load, and unload items up to 50 lbs. individually, and heavier items with assistance (e.g., team lifts, forklifts, or material handling equipment).
• Ability to utilize standard field technology, including inventory scanners, barcodes, computers, smartphones, and GPS navigation applications.
• Excellent verbal communication and proactive customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Maintains a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement

Note:  The nature of this work may require occasional non-standard hours to meet critical project deadlines and support operational requirements.

******IMPORTANT******

This position, because of its associated job duties, has been determined by JPL to be safety-sensitive as defined in JPL’s Drug-Free Workplace Requirement.  An employee holding this position will be subject to periodic, unannounced, random drug testing.  Please refer to JPL’s Drug-Free Workplace Requirement for more information.  Candidates who are hired into designated safety-sensitive positions will be included in a pool from which individuals are randomly selected to participate in the unannounced drug testing.

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.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

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.