You've served your country on Earth. Now you can help humanity reach the stars.

NASA employs approximately 18,000 civil servants across 10 field centers, working on missions from Mars rovers to the International Space Station to the Artemis return to the Moon. For veterans with technical backgrounds, NASA offers the chance to apply your skills to humanity's greatest scientific endeavors.

Why NASA for Veterans?

Mission-Driven Culture

NASA's mission inspires:

Space exploration
Scientific discovery
Aeronautics innovation
Earth science and climate

Technical Excellence

Your technical training is valued:

Engineering expertise
Aviation experience
Systems thinking
Quality and safety focus

Veteran Hiring

NASA recruits veterans:

Veterans preference applies
Technical backgrounds valued
Security clearance compatibility
Leadership experience recognized

NASA Career Areas

Engineering

The core NASA workforce:

Aerospace Engineers:

Spacecraft design
Propulsion systems
Aerodynamics
Mission design

Mechanical Engineers:

Structural systems
Thermal control
Mechanisms
Hardware development

Electrical Engineers:

Avionics systems
Power systems
Communications
Control systems

Systems Engineers:

Integration
Requirements
Mission planning
Technical management

Software Engineers:

Flight software
Mission software
Data systems
Simulation

Science

Research and discovery:

Physical Scientists:

Planetary science
Space physics
Astrophysics
Earth science

Research Scientists:

Basic research
Applied research
Technology development

Mission Operations

Running space missions:

Flight Controllers:

Mission Control operations
Spacecraft systems
Real-time decision-making
Strong fit for operations backgrounds

Mission Planners:

Mission design
Operations planning
Procedure development

Technical Support

Essential capabilities:

Electronics Technicians:

Equipment maintenance
System testing
Integration support

Quality Assurance:

Inspection
Process verification
Standards compliance

Safety Engineers:

Risk management
Hazard analysis
Safety oversight

Administrative

Support functions:

Program/Project Management:

Technical management
Budget and schedule
Stakeholder coordination

Contracting:

Procurement
Contract administration
NASA is heavily contractor-supported

IT Specialists:

Infrastructure
Cybersecurity
Mission systems support

Key Positions for Veterans

Flight Controller

What they do:

Monitor spacecraft systems
Real-time decision-making
Anomaly response
Mission execution

Requirements:

Technical degree preferred
Systems knowledge
Calm under pressure
Teamwork oriented

Salary: GS-9 to GS-14 ($68K-$166K with locality)

Military fit: Operations backgrounds, aviation, technical systems

Systems Engineer

What they do:

Integrate complex systems
Requirements management
Technical leadership
Problem-solving

Requirements:

Engineering degree
Systems thinking
Technical breadth
Communication skills

Salary: GS-11 to GS-15 ($82K-$191K+)

Military fit: Systems maintenance, aviation systems, technical officers

Safety Engineer

What they do:

Risk assessment
Hazard identification
Safety analysis
Mishap investigation

Requirements:

Engineering background
Safety experience
Analytical skills
Communication ability

Salary: GS-11 to GS-14 ($82K-$166K)

Military fit: Safety officers, quality assurance, risk management backgrounds

Program Analyst

What they do:

Program support
Budget analysis
Schedule tracking
Management support

Requirements:

Analytical skills
Business background
Project management
Communication skills

Salary: GS-9 to GS-13 ($68K-$141K)

Military fit: Operations officers, logistics, program management

IT Specialist

What they do:

Cybersecurity
Network management
Systems administration
Mission systems support

Requirements:

IT background
Security knowledge
Technical certifications
Problem-solving

Salary: GS-9 to GS-14 ($68K-$166K)

Military fit: 25B, cyber, IT MOS backgrounds

NASA Requirements

Basic Requirements

Citizenship:

U.S. citizenship (required for most positions)
Due to ITAR restrictions on space technology

Education:

Varies by position
Engineering positions typically require engineering degree
Technical positions may accept experience

Clearance:

Many positions require security clearance
Existing clearance valuable

Engineering Positions

Typical requirements:

Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited)
Relevant experience
GPA requirements for entry-level

Technical Positions

May require:

Associate's degree or technical training
Demonstrated skills
Certifications

Administrative Positions

Standard federal requirements
Relevant experience
Specialized skills for specific roles

NASA Hiring Process

Step 1: Find Positions

Via USAJOBS:

Search "NASA" or "National Aeronautics"
Filter by location (specific centers)
Filter by series (engineering, IT, etc.)

Step 2: Apply

Federal resume required
Transcripts (for degree-required positions)
Veterans documentation
Any required supplemental materials

Step 3: Assessment

HR review
Technical evaluation
Subject matter expert review

Step 4: Interview

Phone or panel interview
Technical questions
Behavioral assessment
Often multiple rounds

Step 5: Selection

Reference checks
Final selection
Offer negotiation

Step 6: Onboarding

Security processing
Medical if required
Start date coordination

Timeline

Typical: 3-6 months from application to start

NASA hiring can be competitive—positions attract many qualified applicants.

NASA Salary

Standard GS scale with locality adjustments:

Grade	Houston Area	DC Area
GS-9	$67,563	$68,405
GS-11	$81,747	$82,764
GS-12	$97,980	$99,200
GS-13	$116,510	$117,962
GS-14	$137,680	$139,395
GS-15	$162,074	$164,089

Special Rates

Some engineering positions have special salary rates:

Higher than base GS
Competitive with private sector
Retention incentives available

Career Ladder Positions

Many NASA positions are career ladders:

GS-7/9/11/12 progression
Guaranteed promotions if performing
Reach journey level in 3-4 years

NASA Locations

Field Centers

Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX):

Human spaceflight operations
Mission Control
Astronaut training
Largest workforce

Kennedy Space Center (Florida):

Launch operations
Ground processing
Spaceport operations

Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL):

Propulsion systems
Space Launch System
Payload development

Goddard Space Flight Center (Maryland):

Earth science
Space science
Satellites

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA):

Robotics
Deep space missions
Mars rovers
Run by Caltech for NASA

Other Centers:

Ames (Silicon Valley)
Armstrong (Edwards, CA)
Glenn (Cleveland)
Langley (Hampton, VA)
Stennis (Mississippi)

Headquarters

Washington, DC:

Policy and management
Congressional relations
Agency leadership

Military Experience Advantages

Aviation Background

Military aviation directly applies:

Flight operations
Aircraft systems
Safety culture
Mission discipline

Applicable backgrounds:

Military pilots
Aviation maintenance
Flight test
Air traffic control

Technical Training

Military technical experience translates:

Electronics maintenance
Systems troubleshooting
Quality assurance
Technical documentation

Operations Experience

Operations backgrounds fit NASA:

Mission planning
Real-time operations
Decision-making
Team coordination

Leadership

Military leadership valued:

Program management
Team leadership
Project execution
Stakeholder management

Specific MOS Translation

Military Background	NASA Fit
Aviation (15 series, AD, AM)	Aviation systems, spacecraft maintenance
Communications (25 series)	Communications engineering, IT
Intelligence (35 series)	Mission planning, analysis
Nuclear (Navy)	Systems engineering, power systems
Engineering (12 series)	Civil/mechanical engineering

NASA Pathways and Programs

Pathways Internship Program

For current students:

Paid internships
Potential conversion
Various disciplines

Recent Graduates Program

For new graduates:

Entry pathway
Developmental program
Career track

Presidential Management Fellows

For advanced degree holders:

Leadership development
Competitive selection
Fast-track to GS-13

NASA STEM Engagement

Various programs connecting education and workforce.

Application Tips

Resume Strategy

Highlight:

Technical skills and certifications
Systems experience
Problem-solving examples
Leadership and teamwork
Specific accomplishments with metrics

NASA-specific:

Space or aviation interest
Technical projects
Research or development
Quality and safety focus

Interview Preparation

Expect:

Technical questions in your field
Problem-solving scenarios
Behavioral competency questions
Why NASA motivation

Research:

Current NASA programs
Center-specific missions
Position requirements
Recent achievements

Competition Strategy

NASA is competitive:

Apply to multiple positions
Apply to multiple centers
Be flexible on location
Consider contractor positions as pathway

NASA Contractors

NASA relies heavily on contractors:

Many positions are contractor vs. civil servant
Contractors work alongside NASA employees
Can be pathway to civil service
Major contractors: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Jacobs, KBR

Consider contractor positions:

Often easier to get
NASA work experience
Networking opportunity
Potential conversion or later hiring

Career Progression

Technical Track

Entry: GS-7/9/11 Journey: GS-12/13 Senior: GS-14/15 Expert: Technical Fellow, senior positions

Management Track

Technical lead: GS-13/14 Branch Chief: GS-14/15 Division Director: GS-15/SES Center Director: SES

Program/Project Management

Popular progression for those seeking leadership:

Technical work → Project management
Specialized PM training
Increasing project scope
Senior PM positions

The Bottom Line

NASA offers veterans:

Inspiring mission in space exploration
Technical excellence environment
Strong compensation with federal benefits
Career growth opportunities
Application of military technical training

For veterans who want their technical skills to contribute to humanity's greatest exploration endeavors, NASA provides that opportunity.

Apply at nasa.gov/careers or USAJOBS.gov

Interested in other technical federal careers? Explore FAA or DOE.

You've served your country on Earth. Now you can help humanity reach the stars.

Why NASA for Veterans?

Mission-Driven Culture

NASA's mission inspires:

Space exploration
Scientific discovery
Aeronautics innovation
Earth science and climate

Technical Excellence

Your technical training is valued:

Engineering expertise
Aviation experience
Systems thinking
Quality and safety focus

Veteran Hiring

NASA recruits veterans:

Veterans preference applies
Technical backgrounds valued
Security clearance compatibility
Leadership experience recognized

NASA Career Areas

Engineering

The core NASA workforce:

Aerospace Engineers:

Spacecraft design
Propulsion systems
Aerodynamics
Mission design

Mechanical Engineers:

Structural systems
Thermal control
Mechanisms
Hardware development

Electrical Engineers:

Avionics systems
Power systems
Communications
Control systems

Systems Engineers:

Integration
Requirements
Mission planning
Technical management

Software Engineers:

Flight software
Mission software
Data systems
Simulation

Science

Research and discovery:

Physical Scientists:

Planetary science
Space physics
Astrophysics
Earth science

Research Scientists:

Basic research
Applied research
Technology development

Mission Operations

Running space missions:

Flight Controllers:

Mission Control operations
Spacecraft systems
Real-time decision-making
Strong fit for operations backgrounds

Mission Planners:

Mission design
Operations planning
Procedure development

Technical Support

Essential capabilities:

Electronics Technicians:

Equipment maintenance
System testing
Integration support

Quality Assurance:

Inspection
Process verification
Standards compliance

Safety Engineers:

Risk management
Hazard analysis
Safety oversight

Administrative

Support functions:

Program/Project Management:

Technical management
Budget and schedule
Stakeholder coordination

Contracting:

Procurement
Contract administration
NASA is heavily contractor-supported

IT Specialists:

Infrastructure
Cybersecurity
Mission systems support

Key Positions for Veterans

Flight Controller

What they do:

Monitor spacecraft systems
Real-time decision-making
Anomaly response
Mission execution

Requirements:

Technical degree preferred
Systems knowledge
Calm under pressure
Teamwork oriented

Salary: GS-9 to GS-14 ($68K-$166K with locality)

Military fit: Operations backgrounds, aviation, technical systems

Systems Engineer

What they do:

Integrate complex systems
Requirements management
Technical leadership
Problem-solving

Requirements:

Engineering degree
Systems thinking
Technical breadth
Communication skills

Salary: GS-11 to GS-15 ($82K-$191K+)

Military fit: Systems maintenance, aviation systems, technical officers

Safety Engineer

What they do:

Risk assessment
Hazard identification
Safety analysis
Mishap investigation

Requirements:

Engineering background
Safety experience
Analytical skills
Communication ability

Salary: GS-11 to GS-14 ($82K-$166K)

Military fit: Safety officers, quality assurance, risk management backgrounds

Program Analyst

What they do:

Program support
Budget analysis
Schedule tracking
Management support

Requirements:

Analytical skills
Business background
Project management
Communication skills

Salary: GS-9 to GS-13 ($68K-$141K)

Military fit: Operations officers, logistics, program management

IT Specialist

What they do:

Cybersecurity
Network management
Systems administration
Mission systems support

Requirements:

IT background
Security knowledge
Technical certifications
Problem-solving

Salary: GS-9 to GS-14 ($68K-$166K)

Military fit: 25B, cyber, IT MOS backgrounds

NASA Requirements

Basic Requirements

Citizenship:

U.S. citizenship (required for most positions)
Due to ITAR restrictions on space technology

Education:

Varies by position
Engineering positions typically require engineering degree
Technical positions may accept experience

Clearance:

Many positions require security clearance
Existing clearance valuable

Engineering Positions

Typical requirements:

Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited)
Relevant experience
GPA requirements for entry-level

Technical Positions

May require:

Associate's degree or technical training
Demonstrated skills
Certifications

Administrative Positions

Standard federal requirements
Relevant experience
Specialized skills for specific roles

NASA Hiring Process

Step 1: Find Positions

Via USAJOBS:

Search "NASA" or "National Aeronautics"
Filter by location (specific centers)
Filter by series (engineering, IT, etc.)

Step 2: Apply

Federal resume required
Transcripts (for degree-required positions)
Veterans documentation
Any required supplemental materials

Step 3: Assessment

HR review
Technical evaluation
Subject matter expert review

Step 4: Interview

Phone or panel interview
Technical questions
Behavioral assessment
Often multiple rounds

Step 5: Selection

Reference checks
Final selection
Offer negotiation

Step 6: Onboarding

Security processing
Medical if required
Start date coordination

Timeline

Typical: 3-6 months from application to start

NASA hiring can be competitive—positions attract many qualified applicants.

NASA Salary

Standard GS scale with locality adjustments:

Grade	Houston Area	DC Area
GS-9	$67,563	$68,405
GS-11	$81,747	$82,764
GS-12	$97,980	$99,200
GS-13	$116,510	$117,962
GS-14	$137,680	$139,395
GS-15	$162,074	$164,089

Special Rates

Some engineering positions have special salary rates:

Higher than base GS
Competitive with private sector
Retention incentives available

Career Ladder Positions

Many NASA positions are career ladders:

GS-7/9/11/12 progression
Guaranteed promotions if performing
Reach journey level in 3-4 years

NASA Locations

Field Centers

Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX):

Human spaceflight operations
Mission Control
Astronaut training
Largest workforce

Kennedy Space Center (Florida):

Launch operations
Ground processing
Spaceport operations

Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL):

Propulsion systems
Space Launch System
Payload development

Goddard Space Flight Center (Maryland):

Earth science
Space science
Satellites

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA):

Robotics
Deep space missions
Mars rovers
Run by Caltech for NASA

Other Centers:

Ames (Silicon Valley)
Armstrong (Edwards, CA)
Glenn (Cleveland)
Langley (Hampton, VA)
Stennis (Mississippi)

Headquarters

Washington, DC:

Policy and management
Congressional relations
Agency leadership

Military Experience Advantages

Aviation Background

Military aviation directly applies:

Flight operations
Aircraft systems
Safety culture
Mission discipline

Applicable backgrounds:

Military pilots
Aviation maintenance
Flight test
Air traffic control

Technical Training

Military technical experience translates:

Electronics maintenance
Systems troubleshooting
Quality assurance
Technical documentation

Operations Experience

Operations backgrounds fit NASA:

Mission planning
Real-time operations
Decision-making
Team coordination

Leadership

Military leadership valued:

Program management
Team leadership
Project execution
Stakeholder management

Specific MOS Translation

Military Background	NASA Fit
Aviation (15 series, AD, AM)	Aviation systems, spacecraft maintenance
Communications (25 series)	Communications engineering, IT
Intelligence (35 series)	Mission planning, analysis
Nuclear (Navy)	Systems engineering, power systems
Engineering (12 series)	Civil/mechanical engineering

NASA Pathways and Programs

Pathways Internship Program

For current students:

Paid internships
Potential conversion
Various disciplines

Recent Graduates Program

For new graduates:

Entry pathway
Developmental program
Career track

Presidential Management Fellows

For advanced degree holders:

Leadership development
Competitive selection
Fast-track to GS-13

NASA STEM Engagement

Various programs connecting education and workforce.

Application Tips

Resume Strategy

Highlight:

Technical skills and certifications
Systems experience
Problem-solving examples
Leadership and teamwork
Specific accomplishments with metrics

NASA-specific:

Space or aviation interest
Technical projects
Research or development
Quality and safety focus

Interview Preparation

Expect:

Technical questions in your field
Problem-solving scenarios
Behavioral competency questions
Why NASA motivation

Research:

Current NASA programs
Center-specific missions
Position requirements
Recent achievements

Competition Strategy

NASA is competitive:

Apply to multiple positions
Apply to multiple centers
Be flexible on location
Consider contractor positions as pathway

NASA Contractors

NASA relies heavily on contractors:

Many positions are contractor vs. civil servant
Contractors work alongside NASA employees
Can be pathway to civil service
Major contractors: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Jacobs, KBR

Consider contractor positions:

Often easier to get
NASA work experience
Networking opportunity
Potential conversion or later hiring

Career Progression

Technical Track

Entry: GS-7/9/11 Journey: GS-12/13 Senior: GS-14/15 Expert: Technical Fellow, senior positions

Management Track

Technical lead: GS-13/14 Branch Chief: GS-14/15 Division Director: GS-15/SES Center Director: SES

Program/Project Management

Popular progression for those seeking leadership:

Technical work → Project management
Specialized PM training
Increasing project scope
Senior PM positions

The Bottom Line

NASA offers veterans:

Inspiring mission in space exploration
Technical excellence environment
Strong compensation with federal benefits
Career growth opportunities
Application of military technical training

For veterans who want their technical skills to contribute to humanity's greatest exploration endeavors, NASA provides that opportunity.

Apply at nasa.gov/careers or USAJOBS.gov

Interested in other technical federal careers? Explore FAA or DOE.