Careers at NASA

Instrument Systems Engineer Víctor M. Torres

There are jobs and there are careers. But at NASA, our work is more than just a profession—it’s a lifelong pursuit, a passion—and a chance to change the history of humanity. Together, we stand poised to usher in a bold new era of discovery.

People

18,000+ Civil Servants

Locations

10 Centers and Facilities

Occupations

Yearly New Hires

Come Explore With Us

We're a diverse team united by a shared purpose. Join our team of engineers, scientists, program managers, and more who share a passion for exploration and a drive for excellence. Learn more about all of the roles available at NASA.

picture of NASA scientist in front of a hull thruster experiment

Employees in front of a computer <a href=in the Swamp Works laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center." width="1024" height="318" />

Chemical engineer standing in front of an experiment

Connie Moore

Group photo of Interns in front of building with large NASA Logo

NASA's twelve 2017 astronaut candidates wearing blue flight suits pose for group photo with aircraft in background

How to Apply

At NASA, we explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all. And we’re looking for people who share our passion for exploration to join our team. Whether you're developing cutting-edge technologies to further human spaceflight or managing the operations of one of our facilities across the country, there is a place for you at NASA. Come explore with us!

steven spremo

Portrait of Stevan Spremo in the N-240 rm 133A lab with EcAmSat for a podcast.

Federal merit system principles indicate that the Federal Government should endeavor to achieve a work force from all segments of society. NASA is committed to ensuring we recruit and hire the most talented and promising individuals, from all backgrounds and all life experiences. The federal government offers unique hiring paths to help hire individuals that represent our diverse society.

Pathways Internship Program

We strategically hire our Pathways Interns based on long-term potential and alignment with NASA’s future workforce needs.

Specializing in multi-semester experiences, the Pathways Internship Program prepares you for a career at NASA and offers a direct pipeline to full-time employment at NASA upon graduation.

Group photo of pathways interns

Women in STEM Careers

Women have always played a critical role in NASA’s history.

NASA is committed to recruiting and retaining women in STEM to help the agency continue to push boundaries to achieve the impossible.

Concha Reid, deputy manager for the Space Science Project Office, in front of the Glenn Extreme Environments Rig at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.

The absence of light in her Virgin Islands hometown ignited Concha Reid’s interest in power systems and led her to a career at NASA with an important role in the agency’s Artemis missions.

Veterans and Military Spouses

NASA values the commitment and service of military veterans and their families.

If you’re a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated under honorable conditions, or if you’re the spouse of an active-duty member or veteran, you may be eligible for special hiring authorities for veterans, veterans’ preference, or military spouse appointing authorities.

Military insignia and patches in the cupola of the International Space Station

On Nov. 11, 2019, astronaut Andrew Morgan shared this photograph and Veterans Day message from the International Space Station. Morgan wrote, “It’s a privilege to honor our nation’s veterans today. My own family’s military service extends through multiple generations, representing every branch.”

Individuals with Disabilities

NASA is committed to recruiting, hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities.

If you’re an individual with a disability, you may apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications, but you also may be hired under a special hiring authority. Federal agencies can use the Schedule A Hiring Authority to hire individuals with disabilities.

Former NASA scientist Kantis Simmons, an author and speaker, addresses NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center team members Oct. 29.

The 2019 National Disability Awareness Month program was held in Marshall Space Flight Center’s P110 conference room with guest speaker and former NASA Scientist Kantis Simmons. Master of Ceremonies was Matt McSaveney and the National Anthem was performed by MSFC student intern Andrea Brown. Additional remarks were presented by MSFC Associate Director Steve Miley. Additional songs were performed by Georga Aplin, Cassidie Gorig’ Worrell, Danay Jackson, Charli Grace Strawn from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.,

Executive Leadership Opportunities

Our strong leadership cadre supports and empowers NASA employees to achieve their best.

We have three Executive Career paths at NASA: Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL) and Scientific or Professional (ST) positions. All of NASA’s Executive position vacancies are available for you to view on USAJobs.gov

Miguel Angel Rodriguez Maco

“My mother always instilled and made me appreciate the value of hard work and education. That was my pillar. We are a large family. I have family in Peru, still. I have family members in Europe, in Mexico, and across the U.S. They all face challenges every day, and that motivates me to keep moving forward. The military was no exception. It’s a challenging career. I’ve participated in war environments and peacekeeping operations. When I retired from the military, I took the uniform off one day and put on civilian clothes the next day and went on to work for the Department of Defense. I progressed in my public service career and went on to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Then, I finally came to NASA. I have always admired NASA. I remember since 1968, hearing about all the missions and projects and accomplishments. The reputation that NASA has! I researched how logistics work for NASA’s missions. That’s why I prepared myself. The military provided me a strong logistics background. I got a Master degree in Public Administration because my goal was to end up working for NASA. And I did so, on my second attempt. I started working for NASA’s Logistics Management Division, and served as Deputy Director. Working at NASA is something very special. I find myself surrounded by a group of professional individuals, working in a complete camaraderie environment. Yes, it has been a challenge, to get to work for NASA. But it’s worth it, every single day.” NASA Program Executive Manager for the Office of Insfrastructure, Miguel Angel Rodriguez Maco, poses for a portrait outside NASA Headquarters in Washington DC, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Peace Corps/AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni

If you volunteered with the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA, you may have non-competitive eligibility for federal employment.

Non-competitive eligibility is a way to be appointed to certain federal positions without competing with the general public.

NASA Astronaut Joe Acaba

Expedition 53-54 crewmember Joe Acaba of NASA signs a wall mural Sept. 7 as part of traditional pre-launch activities.

Current or Former Federal Employees

A non-competitive appointment of certain current or former federal employees to a competitive service position.

Official environmental portrait of NASA MSFC employee Mark Richards

Official environmental portrait of NASA MSFC employee Mark Richards NASA/Charles Beason

Life at NASA

Your work will expand the realm of what is possible in aeronautics, astronautics, science, and technology. Help us take on exciting and meaningful missions—from landing the next woman and person of color on the Moon to understanding climate change here on our home planet. Learn more about what a career at NASA could look like, including our mission, culture, values and benefits.

Astronaut hanging in harness in a flight suit to evaluate the amount of dexterity the suit would provide for various tasks including translating across handrails, working with tools, and entering a spacecraft hatch.

Where We Work

We don't just work in space.

More than 18,000 professionals work around the country in laboratories and wind tunnels, on airfields and in control rooms and office buildings to answer some of life’s fundamental mysteries: What’s out there in space? How do we get there? And what can we learn that will make life better here on Earth?

Large group of people standing in front of NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center's main building.

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center group photo in from of the center’s main building (4800) in Edwards, California. 2023

NASA/Genaro Vavuris

People of NASA

NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, IT specialists, human resource specialists, accountants, writers, photographers, and many other kinds of people working together to break barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Dewayne looks off camera smiling with his arms crossed while wearing glasses, a silver watch, and a black collared shirt with the Mars Sample Return logo. He has a black mustache & salt & pepper short, curly hair. The NASA worm logo is in the background.

NASA Encyclopedia

Top 5 Reasons to Work at NASA

Considering a career at NASA? We've got 5 reasons why you should!

NASA astronaut Anne McClain displays a spacesuit glove

NASA astronaut Anne McClain displays a spacesuit glove that is part of an Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or spacesuit, worn during spacewalks staged from the U.S. Quest joint airlock. A U.S. spacesuit glove consists of several layers for extra thermal protection and comfort. Thermofoil heaters are also attached inside each of the fingertips in one of the layers of the glove.