How to Work for NASA: An Insider’s Guide to Launching Your Space Career 

How do I work for NASA? This is definitely the most common question I get when I talk with aspiring space professionals about my career at NASA. 

And it’s a tough question to answer in a quick Q&A session! The truth is that working directly for NASA is competitive. I could easily spend an hour (or more!) talking about ways you can increase your chances of working for NASA. 

So, this article is my best, most in-depth explanation. It’s geared towards U.S. citizens who are serious about working for NASA one day. I’ll explain how NASA is structured and some other NASA basics that can help you in your NASA job search. I’ll also discuss how you can become a NASA civil servant. “NASA civil servant” is one of the terms used for people who work directly for the U.S. government at a NASA center (also called NASA employees or federal employees).

While becoming a NASA civil servant is very competitive, fortunately, there are also many ways you can still work with NASA (more on this coming very soon in another article!). 

Not a U.S. citizen? I’ve got you covered. Head over to one of my most popular posts: How To Work With NASA as an International Student.

Important note: Starting in January 2025, the Trump administration’s efforts to cut the government workforce via DOGE and many Executive Orders are affecting all areas of the U.S. federal government, including NASA hiring, NASA research grants, and even some commercial companies that receive NASA funding. I debated whether I should post this article due to all this uncertainty in hiring, but ultimately, I believe you’ll still find the information in this article insightful. 

Obligatory disclaimer: While I am a former NASA employee, the views in this article are my own and do not officially represent NASA. My research on this topic has been conducted using public information as referenced throughout this article, and my advice is based on personal experiences (both my own and those of my NASA colleagues).

NASA 101 

First, let’s briefly introduce you to some of the NASA basics that affect employment. 

Many of you already know that NASA is a U.S. government agency responsible for civil space programs and aerospace research. 

But did you know that sentence implies a ton when it comes to NASA employment? It gives us an indication of who can work for NASA, how NASA is funded, why NASA is affected by politics, and even where NASA facilities are located. Let’s talk through each of these in more detail. 

NASA & Citizenship

Working directly for NASA is only open to U.S. citizens and, in some cases, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. This is due to the fact that NASA is a U.S. government agency and that many programs in the U.S. aerospace industry are subject to export restrictions. 

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, there are other pathways to work with NASA. I’ve written about this in a lot more detail here: How To Work With NASA as an International Student.

NASA’s Budget

Following NASA’s budget can give you an indication of where NASA and its partners are hiring. While government budgets can be confusing, The Planetary Society does a fantastic job breaking down NASA’s budget: NASA’s Budget Explained.

Here are a few key takeaways:

1. NASA’s budget accounts for just ~0.4% of all U.S. government spending. 
2. Most of NASA’s funding goes to contracts, supporting nearly 5,000 businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions across the U.S.
3. NASA’s budget is focused on peaceful aerospace operations and research—none is used for national defense (other agencies like the Space Force handle that). 

When working with NASA, I want to emphasize #2. Most of NASA’s funding goes to commercial companies and private institutions. In fact, most people who work at a NASA center are not NASA employees. More on this in my next article (coming soon!). 

The Planetary Society has another comprehensive article summarizing NASA’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, however, it’s an unfinished story. Why? The budget for the U.S. government has not been finalized for 2025. As a result, NASA (and the rest of the U.S. government) is operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR). A CR extends funding at previous fiscal year levels until a new budget is enacted. When neither a new budget nor a temporary CR is approved, government employees could find themselves on furlough due to a lapse in funding. NASA contractors are usually not furloughed during this period since many contracts are forward-funded, though it depends on the specific contract and the length of the furlough. 

NASA & Politics

NASA is part of the executive branch of the U.S. government, meaning the U.S. President and their administration ultimately shape NASA’s direction and priorities. As a result, NASA’s missions are often influenced by shifts in the political landscape.

To give you a sense of how this plays out in real life, here are some major programmatic changes I’ve witnessed over the ~16 years I worked at NASA in human space exploration programs. These shifts had a direct impact on my career path.

Whether you love or hate politics, when you work for NASA or on a team that NASA funds, you should be aware of the politics that influence everything NASA does. 

That said, one thing has remained consistent: NASA’s leadership has repeatedly proven its ability to adapt to shifting political winds. For the past 13 years, NASA has been ranked the “Best Place to Work in Government.” I hope that legacy of excellence and adaptability continues! I truly believe our world is a better place because of the work NASA, its employees, and its commercial partners achieve. 

NASA Locations

Have you thought about which NASA center you’d like to work for? NASA operates a variety of centers and facilities across the U.S., each with its own mission focus and area of expertise. Understanding what each center specializes in can help you find the one that best aligns with your interests and career goals.

For example, civil engineers might find more opportunities at Kennedy Space Center, where the launch infrastructure requires constant development and maintenance to support spaceflight operations.

If you’re more passionate about airplanes than rockets, you might be drawn to centers with a strong focus on aeronautics. Like the Neil Armstrong Test Facility, which plays a key role in advancing flight technologies.

Personally, I was drawn to human space exploration, so Johnson Space Center was a natural fit. As the home of NASA’s astronauts, it’s the hub for crew training, mission operations, and the development of spacesuits and other life-support systems. You really can’t get much more “human” than that.

Why are NASA facilities spread out across the U.S.?

There are several reasons, but the biggest one is arguably economic.

Sure, some locations are chosen out of necessity (e.g., most launch pads are located on the east coast to support safe launch trajectories over the Atlantic Ocean). But in my experience, the broader distribution of NASA facilities has more to do with economic impact and the politics tied to it.

Each NASA center can significantly boost its surrounding community by generating local jobs, supporting nearby businesses, and fostering partnerships with schools and universities. Because of this, state and local governments often have a strong interest in the success of their nearby NASA centers and the contractor facilities that support them.

Interested in the data? 

Here are some snippets from NASA’s Economic Impact in 2023 Report: 

• The agency generated more than $75.6 billion in economic output across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in fiscal year 2023.
• NASA has 17,823 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, paying more than $3.5 billion in annual wages and benefits [NASA civil servants].
• The total employment sustained by NASA across the U.S. is estimated to be 304,803 jobs [NASA contractors and researchers].
• NASA generates an estimated $9.6 billion in annual federal, state, and local tax revenues throughout the U.S.

Employment is spread out across the country, with higher employment in states that host NASA facilities and/or large NASA-funded companies (like SpaceX and Lockheed Martin), as shown in this figure from the 2023 report. 

Special Note on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

You’ll often see the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on NASA facility maps, but technically, it’s not part of NASA’s internal agency structure. JPL is a federally funded research and development center. While NASA owns the land and funds most of JPL’s missions, the lab itself is operated by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

For example, when I interned at JPL in college, I wasn’t employed by NASA – I was actually hired through Caltech.

Becoming a NASA Employee

There’s no hiding it. Becoming a NASA civil servant is tough. Really tough. It takes a combination of the right qualifications, perseverance, and luck to become a NASA civil servant. 

Why? Think of it as a simple supply and demand situation. A lot of people want to work for NASA…a lot of brilliant, well-qualified people. However, NASA has limited ability to hire. The type of positions available and the number of openings also vary with NASA’s politics and budget, which is where luck comes in – you need the right qualifications at the right time. 

There are two main paths people take to become a NASA civil servant. Both allow NASA to evaluate your reputation before they make you an offer. The first common path is geared towards college students, and the other is for current professionals.

Important note: Starting in January 2025, the federal government (including NASA) is in a hiring freeze. Once the hiring freeze is lifted, my goal is to update this page with changes, if necessary. In the meantime, continue to check the NASA websites that I’ve listed below for the latest information on hiring options. 

1. Students: Become a NASA Pathways Intern

If you want a job offer from NASA right out of college, consider joining the NASA Pathways Internship Program as a college student. In this program, students commit to working as a NASA intern for ~2-5 semesters. 

The Pathways Program is the most common path students can take to get hired by NASA right out of college. My own journey with NASA started as a co-op student (the predecessor to the Pathways Internship Program – more on that here).

A few things to note about the Pathways Program:

1. Degrees: While NASA hires many STEM students (especially engineers), you don’t need to be in STEM to apply to the Pathways program! NASA is also looking for the next generation of communication specialists, human resource professionals, financial experts, etc. 
2. Age: You just need to be a U.S. student at an accredited institution and be at least 16 years old to apply. While this program commonly accepts 18-22 year-olds (the typical age for undergrads), I’ve also seen several non-traditional students in their 30s and 40s get accepted into Pathways.
3. Full-time job offers: Getting into the Pathways Program does not guarantee a full-time offer after graduation, but it will definitely increase your chances. In years when NASA has limited full-time openings, these full-time job offers can be more competitive. 
4. Regulations: The Pathways Program is a government-wide program, so you’ll see this terminology used in other federal agencies too (reference Pathways regulations in 5 CFR Part 362). 

Next best thing: Apply to other Internships

If you can’t get into the Pathways Program, consider applying to be a NASA OSTEM intern. I’ve seen some OSTEM interns become Pathways interns. I’ve also seen some cases where an OSTEM intern may even get a full-time NASA offer, though this usually happens in years when NASA has more early career openings (again, timing and luck play a part here). 

You can also look into JPL internships. I did a summer internship at JPL before I became a co-op/Pathways student at JSC. Since JPL is operated by Caltech (not NASA), it has its own internship process. 

You can also consider internships with companies that work with NASA (a new article on this coming soon!). There are a lot of great internship programs out there! More reasons why you should get an internship here (especially for engineering students!). 

2. Professionals: The NASA Support Contractor Route

Another common path to becoming a NASA civil servant is by first working as a NASA support contractor on a NASA team, then transitioning into a civil servant role.

We’ll dive deeper into what it means to be a NASA support contractor in another article (coming soon), but here’s a quick overview: a NASA support contractor is employed by a private company but works directly alongside a NASA team. These individuals often work at a NASA center and are tasked by a NASA manager.

Being a NASA support contractor can give you the opportunity to build your skills and professional reputation while contributing to real NASA missions. That experience tends to give you a competitive edge when applying for civil servant positions down the line.

So, how do you make the transition to become a NASA civil servant? 

The process starts like any other federal job—you’ll need to apply through USAjobs.gov (more on this site below). The difference is, as a NASA support contractor, you already have a foot in the door. You’re already working directly with NASA teams, building relationships, and proving your value every day.

That said, making the leap still requires patience, persistence, and outstanding performance. NASA civil servant positions are limited and often tied to specific mission needs, so it might take time before a role opens that matches your skills. But if you’ve built a strong reputation and consistently delivered excellent work, you’ll be well-positioned when the right opportunity comes along.

3. Other ways to become a NASA employee

While #1 (pathways students) and #2 (support contractor route) are the most common paths to becoming a NASA employee, there are always other ways! Here are some examples:

Soon-to-be veterans: If you are about to leave the U.S. military, apply to NASA’s SkillBridge Program. This is a great opportunity to gain skills and connections that can help you transition from a military to a civilian job. It may also boost your chances of receiving a full-time offer from NASA.

Researchers/Academia: If you are part of a research institution (e.g., a university, research center, R&D lab, etc.), you can apply for NASA grants or join a research team already working with NASA. This could give you unique opportunities to connect with NASA and build your professional reputation. 

Everyone: Find ways to connect with NASA employees, contractors, and researchers in your specific field. Having a strong, supportive network can make a huge difference in your career.  In parellel, take time to invest in your reputation. This includes being able to effectively communicate what you love to work on. 

Applying on usajobs.gov

Anyone who wants to work directly for NASA needs to apply on USAjobs.gov, which includes both NASA full-time positions and the NASA Pathways Program. Even current NASA employees who compete for an internal promotional position must do so via USAjobs.gov. The same applies to all federal civil servant positions, unless it’s a position where you are elected (like members of Congress) or appointed (like the NASA administrator). Note that other NASA internships (like OSTEM), NASA contractor positions, enlisted/commissioned military positions, etc., are not considered federal civil servant positions and are not on USAjobs.gov. 

*Another reminder: A federal hiring freeze started in January 2025. As of the time of this writing (April 2025), only mission-critical positions are open on usajobs.gov (none of which are currently NASA related). 

Step 1: Set up your usajobs.gov account

Build and maintain your profile and resume on USAjobs.gov so you are always ready to apply as new positions become available. Some positions are only open for a very short window, so being ready to apply quickly can save you a lot of headaches. More tips on usajobs.gov resumes here. 

Step 2: Create a job search 

Set up a job search for NASA positions to ensure you don’t miss a new job post in the future. 

1. Go to “Search” on usajobs.gov.
2. Search for NASA openings. 
3. Click “Save this search. We’ll email you new jobs as they become available.”
   1. Label this search and select daily email notifications. Daily notifications will ensure you are notified within a day of a new posting. 
4. Repeat, as needed. You can save several different job searches at a time. 

*Note: While we’re in a government hiring freeze, try searching military or FAA postings just to get familiar with the system. 

Search tip for everyone: Consider starting with a high-level “NASA” job search. This will help you understand how usajobs.gov works and may give you a better sense of the type of roles NASA hires and the skillset you’ll need to build if you want to compete for those roles in the future. You’ll learn how to use usajobs.gov before you start narrowing down your job searches. This may also be a good approach during the current hiring freeze – you’ll be the first to learn when NASA is officially starting to hire again.

Specific notes for NASA Pathways: 

1. Make sure to follow all the requirements and advice on the  NASA Pathways Internship Program page. NASA normally posts upcoming open application dates on their website, so mark those dates on your calendar! 
2. You can also set up a search with the keywords “NASA” and “Pathways” like this search. 

Additional search options for Full-Time Positions: 

1. Keywords (via the search bar at the top of the page): 
   • “Direct Hire” or “Direct Hire Authority” – these phrases are often used when NASA has a position open to the public (versus an internal posting). Some of these “Direct Hire” postings are for a very specific position. Others are generic and will be used to hire multiple agency-wide vacancies. 
   • For engineers, many NASA postings are categorized as “Aerospace Technology (AST)”.
   • You can also search using keywords in your specific field, just make sure you also have more general searches saved too so you don’t miss out on the generic agency-wide postings! 
   • Check out the NASA Career page for more search keyword ideas.
2. Filters (via the box on the right-hand side of the search screen):
   • Hiring Path: Select “Open to the public” unless you qualify for special options, such as veterans or current federal employees in another agency. 
   • Pay: NASA salaries are based on General Schedule (GS) levels. Here’s a quick breakdown on GS levels for NASA engineers (other career paths have similar progressions at NASA too):
     • College graduates usually start at a GS-7 (Bachelor’s) or GS-9 (Master’s). 
       • Note, at JSC, I started as a GS-7 full-time, and was bumped up to a GS-9 in 6 months, which is common for new NASA engineers. Many NASA engineers go from a GS-7 to a GS-13 in less than 5 years, which helps NASA compete against commercial engineering positions that often offer higher salaries for early career engineers.
     • Early-to-mid career postings range from GS-7 to GS-13, depending on the years of experience and the type of career (technical vs. non-technical). 
       • Note: many NASA engineers cap out at the GS-13 level until they compete for a higher level. Since NASA often looks for experienced technical professionals when they post publicly, I’ve historically seen more GS-13 postings than GS-7 to GS-12 postings.
     • GS-14 and GS-15 positions are reserved for managers (both technical managers and people managers), or very senior technical positions (usually late career professionals who are experts in their field). 
   • Series: You can use this option to select what kind of career field you’re targeting. The codes are defined here. For example, the “0800” series includes most of NASA’s engineering positions.

Step 3: Get social 

You may learn about new opportunities if you review updates on NASA.gov or follow NASA-related social media accounts.

NASA.gov pages: 

• NASA Internships:
  • Upcoming OSTEM Internship and Pathways Program application dates are usually posted on that page (as well as any virtual Q&A/webinars). 
• NASA Careers Page
  • Unlike internships, NASA doesn’t usually post upcoming full-time job application dates, but this site is still a great resource. 

Social Media:

• NASA social media links
• Follow specific NASA employees/influencers on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. Many individuals (like me!) periodically post about new or upcoming opportunities as we learn about them. 
• Regularly connect with your network. If people know about you and your reputation, your network may let you know when they hear about a great opportunity that aligns with your skill set.  

Step 4: Apply!

Apply ASAP once a new position is posted. Many NASA positions are only open for a short period (sometimes only 3 days!). I’ve also heard of positions closing sooner than expected due to an overload of applications in the first 24 hours – I haven’t verified how often this happens on usajobs.gov, but I’ve seen this happen in other companies, so this is a good practice for any job application. 

Note: OSTEM internships on stemgateway.nasa.gov usually have longer application windows, but selections may start happening before the application window closes. This means that submitting your application early could increase your chances of being selected. 

Bottom line: Be ready and don’t procrastinate! 

Step 5: While You wait

Unfortunately, the government is known for being slow in its hiring processes. You may hear back quickly (“quick” being a few weeks). Or, more likely, it’ll take months (especially for agency-wide, generic postings). 

While you wait, consistently check your email (including your spam folder) for messages from usajobs.gov or NASA staff. You can also check on your application status directly on usajobs.gov. 

In the meantime, I recommend you apply to other jobs and continue building your reputation and skills. You may be waiting a long time, so be prepared to pursue backup options in parallel. For example, I applied for and completed an entire JPL internship while waiting to be selected for the NASA co-op (now Pathways) program. 

There’s no pressure to become a NASA civil servant

I know that for many, working for NASA is a lifelong dream, and I love that the agency continues to inspire so many people, myself included.

But here’s something important to remember: there are countless other ways to support NASA’s mission. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever to get involved in the broader aerospace industry today.

After exploring all your options, you might find that becoming a NASA civil servant isn’t the best fit for you. And that’s perfectly okay! You might even discover exciting opportunities in related fields, like I’ve done since stepping away from my 16-year NASA career.

There’s no single “right” career path. The best career is the one that aligns with your interests, values, and lifestyle.

Up next: We’ll explore all the other ways you can contribute to NASA’s mission (article coming soon!).