How to Work for NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explores the unknown in space, develops new innovations to benefit the world, and constantly implements new discoveries. NASA’s mission is to lead studies in Earth science, including climate, the sun, the solar system, and the universe as a whole. Its team conducts cutting-edge research to advance technology and aeronautics. NASA employs people in various roles, from program analysts to engineers. 

How to work for NASA

Pursuing a career at NASA involves understanding how to find job opportunities from various jobs available, developing the skills needed to succeed at NASA, applying for jobs, and preparing for and progressing through the interviewing process. Explore the world of NASA and learn more about potential careers and how to prepare to work for NASA with these eight steps.

1. Understand the types of jobs available at NASA

NASA has various career choices, including astronauts, scientists, engineers, program managers, IT specialists, writers, photographers, human resources specialists, accountants, and more. Career fields you can pursue at NASA include:

• Science and research: You can work for NASA as a scientist researching earth science, astrophysics, planetary science, and heliophysics.

• Data, IT, and cybersecurity: Protect systems in space and on the ground, develop software or applications, manage IT projects, or analyze massive amounts of data to provide solutions for astronomy, machine learning, aviation, and more.

• Engineering: NASA hires 20 different types of engineers, including aerospace, computer, and general engineers.

• Business services: From a media relations specialist to a contract specialist with a psychology background, you can have the opportunity to oversee essential support operations, work closely with other NASA employees in various roles, and solve corporate challenges.

• Internships: Prepare for a career at NASA through paid and volunteer internships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM careers.

• Aspiring astronauts: With a master's degree or equivalent in a STEM field, three or more years of related professional experience, US citizenship, and passage of a flight astronaut physical, you can apply to become an astronaut for NASA to explore space and conduct innovative experiments.

Examples of jobs at NASA

As a program integration manager, you will implement technical and budgetary work and run the flight operations directorate (FOD) when the assistant director is unavailable. Job duties include leading directorate meetings, identifying issues and recommending solutions, and managing the FOD program baseline (cost, technical, schedule, risk). 

As a research physical scientist, you will be responsible for developing the GEOS-Composition forecasting system. This includes research on assimilation and developing efficient forecast models for atmospheric composition. Job duties include overseeing the transition of new versions of the GEOS-CF system and coordinating activities with the data assimilation department to ensure data assimilation of atmospheric constituents. 

As an aerospace engineer, you will be responsible for thermal and fluid analysis of liquid, gas, and cryogenic liquid systems in the rocket propulsion testing department. Job duties include leading investigations to obtain baseline data for propulsion test system studies; developing analytical and computational models of conventional fluid systems; and identifying, investigating, and resolving problems in mechanical systems. 

You can browse the USAJOBS website to find current job openings at NASA in your field. Ensure you do a complete analysis of the job description and that your skills and competencies align with the position's duties. An HR specialist will work with you during the application process to determine the core skills required to successfully perform certain duties. 

2. Build a strong resume and online presence

It’s important to build a strong resume and online presence before submitting your application. Ensure your resume fully represents your skills and capabilities. Include all of your relevant work experience, projects, and successes. Some tips from NASA’s hiring managers include:

• Be specific and detailed 

• Use action words

• Use technical terms

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile to increase visibility will help you get attention from NASA recruiters. A few ways to update your profile include the following:

• Utilize LinkedIn’s search engine optimization (SEO)

• Create a compelling headline

• Complete your profile

• Write a strong profile summary

• Maintain updates to your profile 

3. Explore job openings on NASA’s careers page

NASA’s career page typically has a variety of job openings from engineers to scientists. You can browse job opportunities and internships in the “Explore with Us” section. It also has information on how to apply for a position at NASA. You can use the USAJOBS website to enter your search criteria and apply filters to find suitable job opportunities. You have the ability to input keywords, locations, and filters to narrow down your job search. 

NASA’s career page has a step-by-step process on how to apply. These steps include:

1. Create a USAJOBS account. 

2. Build your resume in USAJOBS. 

3. Search for jobs in your field. 

4. Click “apply” on your respective position and follow the steps to submit your application. 

5. Follow the instructions once you have been transferred to the application systems. 

4. Prepare for the NASA interview process

If the hiring managers select your resume to move forward in the hiring process, they will contact you to set up an interview. The interview may be with a panel, in person, or a phone interview. The interview process may include more than one round of interviews, such as a phone interview followed by an in-person interview. 

Some common interview questions may include: 

• Safety is a top priority at NASA. How have you prioritized working under strict safety protocols? 

• What traits of yours align with the values at NASA? 

• How can your experience apply to the work at NASA?

• How do you feel you can contribute directly to NASA's mission? 

• How would you handle a situation here at NASA in which you were presented with new material or a new task that you didn’t understand? 

It will be beneficial for you to use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions. STAR stands for:

• Situation: Explain the situation so your interviewer understands your example. 

• Task: Talk about the task you implemented to achieve your goal. 

• Action: Describe the actions you took to complete the task and highlight relevant skills. 

• Result: Explain the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions. 

5. Leverage your network

Networking is an important step in learning more about new job opportunities and making connections with fellow NASA enthusiasts. Networking will enable you to access new resources, expand your knowledge, and develop new relationships, which could lead to career opportunities. If you’re a student or recent graduate, you can attend events like the Center for Space Education’s annual networking event. NASA also provides STEM engagement projects that provide guidance and maximize the agency’s reach and impact.

6. Consider internships and student opportunities

NASA offers a variety of internship programs for high school and college students to learn more about their field of study. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) has paid internships available to students to contribute to the advancement of science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. This opportunity allows you to gain practical experience, build your resume, and strengthen your career readiness. You can apply for these internships and learn more about NASA’s opportunities on the NASA website.

7. Develop skills relevant to NASA’s work

NASA’s roles focus on project management and innovation. Through its APPEL Knowledge Services, NASA provides program and project management courses and lessons to refine your skills in these areas. It also provides resources and tools to study critical knowledge skills you will need to succeed at NASA. You may also want to attend webinars to learn more about subjects such as team building, leadership development, and effective communication. 

8. Learn more about NASA’s culture and values

NASA’s core values include safety, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and inclusion. Its team embodies characteristics such as curiosity, passion for exploration, agility, and resilience. It is important that your values align with NASA’s in order to be successful in their community. 

Prepare to work for NASA with Coursera

You can find a fulfilling career in a variety of fields by working at NASA. Learn how to develop your skills for a successful career with the organization by pursuing related Specializations, Professional Certificates, and degree programs on Coursera.

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