NASA jobs: How to apply & work with NASA team

NASA explores the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all. Its always looking for people who share their passion for exploration to join 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.

Types of Opportunities: NASA jobs

NASA offers a variety of employment and partnership opportunities to match where you are in your life and career. Both permanent and temporary appointments are available. Temporary appointments are expected to last for a specific period and allow you to gain valuable experience on a specific project or mission.

It also employ Pathways Interns. The Pathways Internship Program prepares you for a career at NASA and offers a direct pipeline to full-time employment at NASA upon graduation.

The federal government offers unique hiring paths to help hire individuals that represent our diverse society. Learn more about each hiring path and your eligibility.

Applying

Civil Servant Opportunities

All NASA job opportunities, including Pathways internships, are posted on USAJOBS—the federal government’s official employment site. You can browse vacancies without creating a profile and apply later if you are interested. Learn more about the application process below. View this video for more information on applying to federal jobs. 

Check also: Aerospace engineering internships for high school students

How to Apply FOR NASA jobs

The following steps will walk you through the process: 

• Create a USAJOBS Account: In order to apply for a civil service job at NASA, you must first create a profile on USAJOBS. 
• Build your Resume: After you complete your profile, you will need to build or upload your resume. (Note: We encourage you to use the USAJOBs resume format so you can be sure you have included all of the important information.) You may create up to five resumes in USAJOBS. The resumes you build can be used to apply for jobs at many other federal agencies.
• Resume Tips Brochure
• Watch USAJobs’ Resume Writing Video!
• Already have an account? Just sign in to your existing USAJOBS account and review its accuracy before applying for NASA vacancies.
• Search for Jobs: After you have completed your USAJOBS profile and built your resume, you will be ready to apply for NASA job opportunities. Click here to view jobs at NASA that are open to the general public. You can then use the Hiring Paths or other filters to refine your search. (Tip: You can even search for jobs when you’re not online by using the “Saved search” function in USAJOBS. Saved searches will automatically search for jobs based on your search criteria and email you when there are new jobs available. You can manage your saved search from your account, and you can maintain up to 10 searches at a time.)
• Submit application: Once you have found the opportunity that you are interested in, be sure to read the vacancy announcement carefully to make sure you meet the eligibility and qualifications required for the position. Then, click the ’Apply’ button and attach your USAJOBS resume. You will then be taken to NASA’s application system to complete the application process. 
• Note: Due to the variety of vacancy announcements, the eligibility questions asked vary by type of announcement. The NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide and one pager will help applicants for General Schedule (GS) positions be aware of the type of questions asked during the application process. (Executive Services and Pathways announcements use different eligibility questions, which have not been included in this guide.)
• Provide additional information: Once you have been transferred to the application systems, please carefully read and follow the provided instructions. Once you have successfully completed the application process, you will be re-directed back to USAJOBS. 
• Congratulations! You have now submitted your application. You may return at any time before the announcement closes to update or make changes to your application. You must complete the update and resubmit prior to midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
• Now that your profile and resume is saved, you may use it to apply to other positions. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence in searching for NASA jobs

Can I use ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence tools to assist in drafting application and assessment responses?

NASA prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application to include responses to questions in which you must provide a narrative response. You must create your own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources. While NASA encourages you to create your narratives with great care, including correct use of grammar and style, you are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool, to include but not limited to ChatGPT.  Any information you provide during the application process is subject to verification. NASA will discontinue your candidacy if we find you have violated this prohibition on use of AI tools in the application process.

After Applying: What’s Next?

Once you’ve submitted your application, the following will occur:

• Application Review: Once the job announcement closes, NASA will review your application to make sure you meet the eligibility and qualifications required for the position.
• Interview: ​ If your resume is forwarded to the hiring manager, you may be contacted for an interview. The interview may be a panel, in-person or phone interview. Virtual interviews (e.g. Teams) may be conducted. There may be more than one interview round, such as a phone interview followed by an in-person interview.
• Candidate Selection: If you are selected, we will contact you to start the job offer process!