ABET Accreditation: It's Not Mandatory but Highly Preferred for Engineering Positions at NASA's JPL

While ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation is not a strict requirement for all engineering positions at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), it is highly valued and often preferred. Understanding the nuances of this requirement can help candidates in their application process at JPL.

The Role of ABET Accreditation at JPL

ABET accreditation ensures that engineering programs meet certain educational standards. This can be particularly important for roles that involve complex engineering tasks, as the educational foundation provided by these programs enhances the qualifications of candidates. However, it's important to note that not all engineering positions at JPL require ABET accreditation.

Many engineering roles do require a candidate to have a degree in engineering, and degrees from ABET-accredited programs can significantly strengthen an applicant's qualifications. ABET accreditation is highly regarded because it signifies that the educational program meets the rigorous standards set by the Board.

Regional vs. ABET Accreditation

In the United States, the primary accreditation system is the regional bureaus. ABET is a secondary national accreditation system. When applying for a position at JPL, you only need a degree from a regionally accredited university. While JPL is operated by Caltech, as a JPL employee, you would actually be an employee of Caltech with contractor status through NASA. Caltech itself did not pursue ABET accreditation, which can be relevant to understanding the accreditation landscape at JPL.

Non-Degree Engineering Positions at JPL

It's worth mentioning that technically, you don't even need a degree to secure an engineering position at JPL. I personally started as an intern without a degree. After a year out of industry, I came back to JPL and was rated administratively since I didn't have a degree. Over a series of years and transfers for promotions, I ended up on the staff at Caltech in an engineering rating. When the group ultimately disbanded, I was considering engineering-rated staff slots on the lab when a commercial offer of much higher pay came my way.

While not obtaining a degree is a possibility, many would agree that you don't want to jump through as many hoops as I did. A regionally accredited degree is definitely desired, but ABET accreditation does not compensate for the lack of regional accreditation. It is unlikely that ABET would accredit a second-tier institution with only state or national listings.

Conclusion

While ABET accreditation is not a formal requirement for engineering positions at JPL, having an ABET-accredited degree can significantly strengthen an applicant's position. It is a valuable asset that can enhance your qualifications and make you a more competitive candidate.

In summary, while not mandatory, obtaining an ABET-accredited degree is highly recommended for engineering positions at NASA's JPL. Understanding the nuances of the accreditation system can help you navigate the application process more effectively.