Long Beach residents and professionals affected by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory layoffs have a new opportunity to put their space industry skills to work. The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity is collaborating with several local agencies to host the Space Beach Career Fair. Scheduled for November 13, 2025, the career fair will take place at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Adult Career Services Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the city's press release.
In a statement obtained by the City of Long Beach, Mayor Rex Richardson said, "We’re proud to host this career fair for those affected by the recent NASA JPL layoffs. In Space Beach, the opportunities are endless — from companies building satellites and spacecraft to those designing space stations and rockets — all within our own city limits." The event aims to provide attendees with connections to potential employers and information about available support services. While primarily targeting professionals hit by JPL's cuts, the fair is open to the public.
Participants are advised to RSVP online for the event, which will be broken into two segments, presumably to manage the expected high turnout. The morning slot runs from 9 a.m. to noon, and the afternoon slot is from 1 to 4 p.m. An impressive roster of participating employers will be present, including big names from the aerospace sector like Boeing, Rocket Lab, and Relativity Space, offering a beacon of hope for those seeking new beginnings in the industry.
Bo Martinez, EDO Director, expressed his enthusiasm: "We’re excited to welcome so many talented aerospace and space professionals to explore new opportunities in Long Beach," he told the city's communications team. "The energy and innovation happening in Space Beach are unmatched, and we know these skilled individuals have so much to contribute to the companies that are shaping the future of flight and exploration right here in our city."
The previous job fair held in February 2024 saw substantial success, with about 300 attendees. It stands as a testament to Long Beach's commitment to supporting its skilled workforce amid the unpredictable tides of the aerospace industry. For more details on the Space Beach Career Fair, readers can reach out to Jennifer Angeles Weyh, Business Engagement Specialist at EDO, or explore the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Adult Career Services Center's resources for employment assistance.
