How to Get a Job at NASA: Join the US Space Program

Landing a job at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration is a dream come true for job seekers. This definitive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to get a job at NASA.

NASA’s competitive salary, passion for innovation, and comprehensive benefits package is enough to lure anyone to the company. Because they’re so well-known, NASA has high standards of recruitment.

In this article, you’ll learn about the company background, application and interview processes, as well as available opportunities.

NASA: Company Background 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is a United States government agency that practices outer space exploration, science, technology, and engineering. It was founded in 1958 in reaction to the Soviet Union launching the satellite Sputnik.

NASA’s headquarters are in Washington, D.C. It has nine different centers in several states around the country. The company employs more than 17,000 people and many more subcontractors.

NASA conducts scientific research to help us learn more about our planet. These studies help create new developments in space exploration. There are plenty of NASA projects in international space to help advance human life. 

The company also hosts human spaceflights. Mercury, Apollo. and Gemini programs helped the first human land on the moon in 1969. Today, NASA has astronauts working and living on the International Space Station. 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is constantly reinventing itself to further support space exploration. It develops and produces quality aircraft to constantly set new records. 

What’s It Like to Work at NASA?

NASA is one of the most sought-after employers in the world. It attracts thousands of eager applicants every day. Employees get to create revolutionary projects and benefit from comprehensive packages. Here’s what to expect when you get a call back from NASA’s hiring team.

High Standard Practice

The company always has interesting and challenging new projects. Experts from different fields collaborate to create the best solutions for any issues. NASA is known for hiring the best of the best. 

Advancements

The working environment is defined by its constant development. NASA centres are places for scientific breakthroughs and new inventions. Depending on your position at NASA, you could be part of history.

Diversity and Inclusivity

NASA is an equal opportunity employer that brings talent and skills from different parts of the world. Experts from almost every country apply to work there. NASA focuses on talent instead of status.

Getting a Job at NASA 

Even though there are lots of opportunities to apply, it’s still difficult to get a job at NASA. If you want to get hired by NASA, you need to have high academic qualifications and diverse experiences. 

NASA employs more than just astronauts. There are engineers, scientists, human resources specialists, writers, technicians, IT specialists, and more. 

There are plenty of benefits to working at NASA. As an employee, you will be eligible for health insurance, compensation, retirement plans, and many career development opportunities. 

How Hard Is It to Land a Job at NASA? 

Getting a job at NASA is challenging, but not impossible. They have a rigorous hiring process that only admits the best candidates. This guide will tell you what to expect in their application and interview process. If you’re active and passionate in your field, you can get your dream job. 

NASA hires individuals with varied academic and practical experience. It also focuses on soft skills and makes sure it builds a team that gets along well. You need to cross the line from good employee to exceptional employee.

Applying for a Job at NASA 

NASA has plenty of opportunities available for qualified personnel. You should apply for any open positions from this site. There are plenty of full time, short term, or seasonal positions at NASA. You can also apply for an internship or a fellowship.

Before you start the application process, you will need to prepare your resume and cover letter for your interview. You should also check that you have any other relevant documents. The company leans towards applicants who have degrees from accredited universities and valid professional experience. 

NASA Application and Interview Process 

A world-class company has high standards when it comes to recruiting. This means with the right resume and cover letter, you can get the job.

Search NASA’s official website for existing opportunities. NASA only deals with applications submitted on its site, so be careful when you’re doing your research.

Before you submit your best resume or cover letter, make sure you proofread. You might want to hire a professional writer so you can pass the first screening process. NASA uses an ATS system to shortlist qualified candidates based on keywords. 

After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. After the job position is closed, it will take about two weeks to review resumes. If you are shortlisted, the hiring managers will receive your resume, and the process will continue.

Every successful applicant will go through additional interview processes, physical exams, and team-building exercises. This depends on which position you apply for.

NASA Career Opportunities: Job Titles and Descriptions

NASA has plenty of opportunities to offer you. Using this guide, you can land any position on the team. There are many open job postings on its official site. Below are some opportunities you may want to explore.

Electronics Engineer

• Salary: $108,328 – $165,654 
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package
• Level: N/A
• Required Experience: Minimum of five years
• Required Education: BSc in Engineering or equivalent

This is a great opportunity to grow and explore LARC objectives. For this position, you’ll manage the LARC MetCal policy, provide expertise to the headquarters and government agencies, and direct Centre Maintenance and Instrument Services.

Your bachelor’s degree should be from an accredited engineering program. A bachelor’s in computer science or life science and mathematics will suffice. Every qualified applicant will be subjected to a background investigation. 

Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

• Salary: $94,299 – $122,592 
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package
• Level: N/A
• Required Experience: Minimum one year
• Required Education: BSc in Engineering

This position is available in the Optics Branch of Mechanical Design. You’ll be responsible for designing mirror assemblies and test support equipment. You will also be in charge of designing and modeling mirror assemblies.  

Recruitment managers will assess your knowledge extensively. You will be tested on project management, optical systems, mental visualization, and teamwork. You must have experience in GS-13 for one year in the physics of optical systems. 

Director of the Center Operations Directorate

• Salary: $182,424 – $188,066
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package
• Level: N/A
• Required Experience: Previous leadership experience
• Required Education: N/A

As the director, you will manage specialized facilities maintenance and installation programs. You will also direct the planning, designing, and construction of center facilities. The role also requires you to manage protective services which will involve security engineering programs, establishing security policy, and maintaining comprehensive personnel.

You must demonstrate extensive technical skills. To qualify, you must have led a complex organization in operations and maintenance. You should also have experience in developing strategic plans.

Chief Financial Officer

• Salary: $182,424 – $188,066
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package 
• Level: N/A
• Required Experience: Federal employment
• Required Education: N/A

As a chief financial officer of NASA, you will serve as a member of the business and financial management council. You will be responsible for setting strategic clear goals and monitoring financial execution. You will also serve as a local leader for enterprise services. 

In this position, you will supervise the OCFO team and provide the overall direction of center resources. This position is available for federal employees in competitive service. Senior executives can also apply after they meet the qualifications. 

What Does It Take to Get a Job at NASA? 

To get a job at NASA, you have to have extensive experience in your field. NASA is a leading company in exploring the extraordinary. Its main focus is in aeronautics, space, and aerospace programming. There are plenty of opportunities available to you, as long as you do your research.

NASA employs the best in every field to help achieve its objectives. For you to be hired by a world-class company, you need to have a unique set of abilities and experiences. The company checks for integrity, teamwork, and excellence in individual and organizational behavior. 

Exactly how hard is it to get a job at NASA? Due to the sensitive nature of the job, you need to be ready to go through the process. The company takes on projects of complexity and national priority. You need to showcase your abilities, skills, level of education, and experience to land a job here. If your dream is to get a job at NASA, you can work hard and earn it.