In the wake of recent layoffs at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory that left many high-skilled workers jobless, the City of Long Beach is stepping in to quickly to try and match affected aerospace talent with new opportunities. Dubbed the Space Beach Job Fair, this event is intended as a lifeline for these industry professionals, Mayor Rex Richardson and city officials announced.
Slated for February 23rd, this special hiring event is organized by the City of Long Beach Economic Development Department and its Workforce Development Bureau, known as Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network. According to an official release on the city's website, it is set to take place at the City of Long Beach’s WorkPlace facility from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"We are proud to host this job fair for space and aerospace professionals who have been displaced by the NASA JPL layoffs,’’ Mayor Richardson stated. He emphasized the importance of the regional space and aerospace sector’s success and the city's commitment to retain as much talent as possible within Southern California. The event targets not only the laid-off JPL employees but also Long Beach residents whose skills align with the industry's needs.
Notable companies in the aerospace sector, such as ABL Space Systems and Rocket Lab, will be in attendance to scout for potential candidates. Positions open range across various sectors including engineering, software development, and operations, making this job fair a not to be missed event for those hoping to bounce back into the industry. "This is a rare opportunity to connect available industry talent directly with the multitude of companies looking to fill vacancies as they are expanding and growing in Long Beach," said Bo Martinez, Director of Economic Development for the city.
Long Beach’s growing prominence as a hub for space and advanced manufacturing is evident in the extensive list of participating companies at the fair—over a dozen, including industry leaders like Boeing and newer ventures like Vast Space. Alisa Munoz, Acting Executive Director of Pacific Gateway, noted, "We are committed to supporting the workforce needs of our space and aerospace industry partners and the career aspirations of our residents." Her remark reflects the proactive stance the city is taking in response to the layoffs.
Prospective job seekers interested in attending the Space Beach Job Fair are encouraged to register online through Pacific Gateway's portal. In an economy where the aerospace industry's ebbs and flows can have a substantial impact, such initiatives represent a tangible support system for a skilled workforce in transition.
