r/NASAJobs Jul 15 '26

Interning@NASA Megathread NASA Internships and Educational Opportunities Megathread - July to October 2026

30 Upvotes

This thread will serve as an FAQ and megathread - any posts regarding NASA Internships and educational opportunities (including Pathways, L'Space, DEVELOP, and all other programs) will be removed and directed here. You may post questions in the comments here and the community will do our best to answer them; however your best bet is to email the NASA internships staff for an official answer. Please do not message u/Aerokicks directly, post all questions in this thread so others can respond and see the answer.

Overall Internship Website: https://intern.nasa.gov/

OSTEM Internship Website: https://stemgateway.nasa.gov/public/s/explore-opportunities

Pathways Internship Program:

When are the application deadlines for Pathways Internships? It is expected that there will be an application cycle for Spring 2027 start dates in early Fall and a cycle for Summer/Fall 2027 start dates later in the new year. Updates will be posted when available. All positions are listed on nasa.gov/careers/pathways and must be applied for on USAjobs.gov

What is the difference between the Pathways program and the OSTEM Internship Program? The Pathways program is a co-op style program, where students typically rotate between school and work, working several rotations before graduation. Upon successful completion, students are eligible (but not guaranteed) a conversion to a full-time employee. The OSTEM Internship Program is a more traditional internship program, where interns are selected for a single semester. Many interns apply and are accepted back for additional internships with the same project or with other projects, but it is not guaranteed.

OSTEM Internship Program:

When is the application deadline for OSTEM internships?

Spring 2027 Application Deadline: September 14, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)
Summer 2027 Application Deadline: February 26, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET)
Fall 2027 Application Deadline: May 21, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET)

When will I be contacted for an interview? Not every position holds interviews. Some mentors have already begun scheduling interviews, while some will wait until applications close. Please be patient.

When will I know if I got a position? Most mentors will wait until after the application deadline to make their final selection. It can take several weeks to receive an offer after the selection is made. If you have been interviewed for a position, you may follow up, but otherwise please be patient.

Will I get an email if I'm not accepted to a position? An effort is made to send rejection notices to all applicants, however it is not guaranteed.

Do I have to enter my references on each application? References are currently not a part of the application process for OSTEM and do not need to be submitted.

When do the internships start? Spring OSTEM internships begin in early to mid January. Summer OSTEM internships will begin in early June. Fall OSTEM internships begin in late August to early September.

Will the internships be virtual or in person? Currently all OSTEM positions are in person only.

Feel free to ask any other questions and we will do our best to answer them or refer you to the NASA internships staff for a better answer.


r/NASAJobs 7h ago

Question Job removed from USAJobs

3 Upvotes

I recently applied to a job that had a cap on the number of applications. After it closed, my front page shows that it's "Reviewing Applications" but the application tracking page says that the job was "removed from USAJobs." Does this mean the job was canceled? Does anyone have insight on what's going on behind the scenes? Thank you!

Edit: For other people looking for answers, I found some older discussions (a few years ago) in other subreddits that said sometimes if an application has a cap on number of applications they're accepting, it will be removed from USAJobs when they meet that limit. I don't have the insider knowledge to verify, of course, but I saw a few answers to that effect.


r/NASAJobs 10h ago

Question NASA Direct Hiring Timeline — KSC Engineering / Contractor vs. External Hire

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m curious to hear how the current NASA hiring process is going for others, particularly current contractors converting to federal employees vs. external hires.
I’m an external candidate at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for an engineering position. I interviewed with the hiring manager and was given a verbal offer that they intend to hire me. I was told to expect the TJO within a week or two, but I’m still waiting.
I know NASA is currently pretty backed up and there is a priority on processing contractor conversions, so I’m not necessarily concerned I’m just trying to get a better idea of what timelines others are experiencing.
For those currently going through the process, especially KSC engineering:
Location/Center: KSC, JSC, etc.
Position/Job family: Engineering, program management, etc.
Contractor conversion or external hire?
Current stage: Interview, verbal selection, TJO, background/security, FJO
How long have you been waiting at your current stage?
If you’re a KSC engineering external hire, I’d especially love to hear your timeline.


r/NASAJobs 17h ago

usajobs.gov New usajobs.gov NASA postings as of Tuesday September 1, 2026

3 Upvotes

Environmental Engineer

HQ-26-IMP-13048485-SC

Grade: GS-14

Headquarters, NASA

As Regional Restoration Project Manager within NASA's Office of Strategic Infrastructure, you will lead environmental restoration efforts across multiple NASA Centers. You'll provide technical leadership, guide regulatory strategies, and oversee cleanup projects addressing diverse contaminants and remediation challenges. In this role, you'll help protect NASA's infrastructure, and promote environmental stewardship and mission readiness while shaping restoration priorities across the Agency.


Lead Equipment Facilities and Services Specialist

LaRC-26-IMP-13051253-JL

Grade: GS-14

Langley Research Center

The Research Services Directorate (RSD) at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is currently seeking interested applicants for the position of Chief of Maintenance in the Research Systems Integration Branch (RSIB) (D105). This position leads and directs a team of government and contract technicians in the performance of maintenance and modification activities on multiple NASA aircraft platforms that support airborne research on NASA LaRC Aircraft.


Safety Engineer (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13042676-AK

Grade: GS-14

Headquarters, NASA

As the lead for Aviation Safety policy, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and updating an Agency-wide approach for safe operations and management of both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. You will be responsible for unifying regional-level flight operations safety procedures into an enterprise-wide policy that standardizes practices across the Agency and identify appropriate training for personnel to execute safe operations.



r/NASAJobs 20h ago

Question How to set my son up for a career as an astronaut?

0 Upvotes

Maybe this is really silly but my son is 3 years old and has been obsessed with buzz lightyear and space for the last two years. Recently he’s been telling me when he gets older he wants to be a pilot and an astronaut and go to space. He also told me he wants to go to the moon with his buzz lightyear toy and dance with him on it 🥹 I know he’s only three but I’d love to know how I could set him up for that kind of future and fuel his interest and enthusiasm in this. Obviously if he ever changes his mind I won’t be crazy and force him to continue with it but I was just curious how we could help him get a little jump start into it? Whether it’s space camps or what ever! I just thought how precious would that be if he really does pursue this and takes his little buzz to space with him 🥹


r/NASAJobs 1d ago

usajobs.gov New usajobs.gov NASA postings as of Monday August 31, 2026

3 Upvotes

Environmental Engineer

HQ-26-IMP-13048485-SC

Grade: GS-14

Headquarters, NASA

As Regional Restoration Project Manager within NASA's Office of Strategic Infrastructure, you will lead environmental restoration efforts across multiple NASA Centers. You'll provide technical leadership, guide regulatory strategies, and oversee cleanup projects addressing diverse contaminants and remediation challenges. In this role, you'll help protect NASA's infrastructure, and promote environmental stewardship and mission readiness while shaping restoration priorities across the Agency.



r/NASAJobs 1d ago

Question Lifestyle of working at the Wallops Flight Facility

2 Upvotes

Hi y’all,

I used to work for NASA at the Langley Research Center and enjoyed my time there, but unfortunately, I was impacted by federal cuts.

Recently, I learned that there will be a job that I would like and that I am qualified for that will open up in the next month or so at the Wallops Flight Facility.

I’m a young person, and I’m able to go out and spend a few years in an area like Wallops since I don’t have commitments, so I’ve been thinking about this a lot, but I’m worried about living in essentially the middle of nowhere. It’d be great to be at Wallops for a few years, then transfer to another facility or center.

I’m curious if current or former employees who worked at the Wallops Flight Facility could chime in about their lifestyle?

I’ve found very limited information on Reddit and the internet in general, so I would greatly appreciate any insights!

  1. Did you enjoy your time at Wallops?

  2. What were some things that you liked/disliked?

  3. What did you do in your free time?

  4. Is there a big focus on just working and not doing anything else?

  5. Would you ever travel up to Annapolis or down to Hampton/Virginia Beach on the weekends?

  6. Do you have any recommended places to live? I’m a planner by heart, so I’ve been doing lots of forward thinking, and have looked a lot at Salisbury, Princess Anne, and Pocomoke City.

  7. Did you ever try to transfer to a different facility or center?

  8. What was your favorite thing or something that made you proud about Wallops?

  9. If you were in a younger version of yourself, would you choose to work at Wallops again? Why or why not?

Thanks in advance!


r/NASAJobs 3d ago

Question Realistically speaking, do I have any chance of becoming a NASA astronaut?

8 Upvotes

I just saw a thread of someone else asking this question and the replies were really depressing. Most people that ask this are kids or in high school and I'm already 22. I have no degree yet but I start college next year majoring in biology. I plan to become a botanist.

Every astronaut biography I've looked up, by the time they were my age, they had at least a bachelors degree or they were working in the military. And most people my age that are working towards this are also already in college or even in grad school. I'm wayyy behind the curve. I feel so intimidated because there are smarter more qualified people than me who might never get the chance. My chances were already extremely low and made even lower by the fact that I'm starting "later". Should I keep working towards this? I don't think I could handle the disappointment.

Most astronauts are chosen early-mid 30s so I have about 10 years to get both degrees (or even 3) and gain the necessary work experience. I don't think I'll have the expertise NASA is looking for by then. I wish I'd gone to college sooner but things didn't work out like that. It's always been my dream to go to space but I'm starting to realise that its unrealistic for me and that I have an even lower chance than I thought I would. Should I give up?


r/NASAJobs 3d ago

Question Mechanical Engineering Positions?

0 Upvotes

Does anyone have any insight into when the next opportunities might be for mechanical engineering positions?
Thanks!


r/NASAJobs 3d ago

usajobs.gov New usajobs.gov NASA postings as of Saturday August 29, 2026

9 Upvotes

Program Analyst (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13047857-BL

Grade: GS-14

Headquarters, NASA

Serves as a Program Analyst for intelligence operations within the Office of Protective Services at NASA Headquarters. The Program Analyst assists in the coordination of effective analysis, in collaboration with internal staff and other agencies, to achieve the organization's mission and support the Agency's strategic plan.


Management and Program Analyst

HQ-26-IMP-13049668-BL

Grade: GS-15

Headquarters, NASA

You will serve a Lead Program Analyst in the Resource Management Division within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters. As the Lead Program Analyst you will manage the budget of one of SMD's science divisions and lead a team of program analysts in the formulation, justification and execution of the budget.


Security Specialist (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13049754-DL

Grade: GS-13/14

Headquarters, NASA

Serves as Senior Security Specialist and principal advisor to the Center Chief of Protective Services (CCPS) at Headquarters, exercising delegated authority to plan, direct, and evaluate multidisciplinary security programs; resolve complex issues; interpret policy; and advise senior leadership on risks, threats, and mitigation impacting mission assurance and workforce security. Conducts surveillance of security contractors and serves as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or alternate.



r/NASAJobs 3d ago

Question Shortest timeline ever?

5 Upvotes

Could use some insight.

Applied for a DHA position 8/24. Posting was from 8/20 to 8/24. Was referred 8/26, called for an interview 8/27, and interviewed today, 8/28. I have never seen such a fast turnaround.

The interview was a bit rough. Standard government poker face with structured questions. Unfortunately I forgot to ask when I might hear something back.

Based on the extremely fast turnaround, how soon can I expect to hear something?

Thank you.


r/NASAJobs 3d ago

Question Programs and Events for College Students

1 Upvotes

Hey yall, as the question says I'm a college student and I'm trying to get involved in any way I can with NASA. I'm a Mechanical Engineering student if that helps.

What programs and events can I attend that will help me get that coveted spot as an intern/employee?

Thank you <3


r/NASAJobs 4d ago

usajobs.gov New usajobs.gov NASA postings as of Friday August 28, 2026

5 Upvotes

Management and Program Analyst (Direct Hire)

LaRC-26-DE-13042351-AS

Grade: GS-13

Langley Research Center

As an Analyst in the Management and Technical Support Office of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, you will work closely with multiple high-performing, fast-paced, technical teams executing high-visibility and often urgent tasks. You will secure and manage critical resources via varied procurement instruments by communicating requirements across NASA, industry, other government agencies, and academia to meet goals and objectives.


Industrial Hygienist

HQ-26-ST-13046302-BL

Grade: GS-14/15

Headquarters, NASA

As the Senior Environmental Health Officer or Environmental Health Officer, you will serve as the Agency authorities for industrial hygiene and health physics. You will lead on-site risk reviews, integrating occupational health across all Centers. You will mitigate chemical hazards, assist with mishap reviews, and direct radiation/laser safety for space nuclear missions, ensuring workforce protection during complex operations while collaborating with others as needed.


Program Analyst (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13047857-BL

Grade: GS-14

Headquarters, NASA

Serves as a Program Analyst for intelligence operations within the Office of Protective Services at NASA Headquarters. The Program Analyst assists in the coordination of effective analysis, in collaboration with internal staff and other agencies, to achieve the organization's mission and support the Agency's strategic plan.


Data Scientist (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13043684-AK

Grade: GS-14

Headquarters, NASA

As a senior Data Scientist, you serve as a technical authority guiding agency data and analytic systems. You lead the design and deployment of advanced statistical and machine learning models, establish standards for data quality and model validation, architect analytic environments, and advise leadership on data and analytic strategy to support mission priorities.


Supervisory Management Analyst

HQ-26-IMP-13046480-BL

Grade: GS-15

Headquarters, NASA

As Supervisory Management Analyst (Branch Chief) in the Science Mission Directorate's (SMD's) Strategic Integration and Management Branch, you will lead a team of highly skilled analysts in delivering comprehensive support and solutions for SMD. This role interfaces directly with SMD's Associate Administrator, providing forward-thinking strategy for NASA's science programs while coordinating engagement with key stakeholders, including Congress and the Executive Office of the President.


Management and Program Analyst

HQ-26-IMP-13049668-BL

Grade: GS-15

Headquarters, NASA

You will serve a Lead Program Analyst in the Resource Management Division within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters. As the Lead Program Analyst you will manage the budget of one of SMD's science divisions and lead a team of program analysts in the formulation, justification and execution of the budget.


Security Specialist (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13049754-DL

Grade: GS-13/14

Headquarters, NASA

Serves as Senior Security Specialist and principal advisor to the Center Chief of Protective Services (CCPS) at Headquarters, exercising delegated authority to plan, direct, and evaluate multidisciplinary security programs; resolve complex issues; interpret policy; and advise senior leadership on risks, threats, and mitigation impacting mission assurance and workforce security. Conducts surveillance of security contractors and serves as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or alternate.



r/NASAJobs 4d ago

Interning Had an Interview at NASA KSC

3 Upvotes

Hi guys, I had an interview with NASA KSC for a civil servant position recently (2-3 weeks ago) and I think it went really well. However, when I asked when I could expect to hear back, they told me sometime in October, any reason why this timeline is so long? Should I worry at all?


r/NASAJobs 5d ago

Question What type of eingineering do I need to work at NASA?

0 Upvotes

I'm thinking about what kind of engineering I want to get into and then study it later to get a major etc. If I'd want to work at NASA should I choose mehatronical ( electrical & mechanical) engineering, biomedical engineering or biotechnology? I know that biotechnology isn't exactly engineering, but I'm thinking about it anyway. What kind of stuff could I do with a mechatronics major or biomedical major or biotech major?


r/NASAJobs 5d ago

usajobs.gov New usajobs.gov NASA postings as of Thursday August 27, 2026

13 Upvotes

IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13044212-BL

Grade: GS-12/13

Headquarters, NASA

This position is located in the Cybersecurity and Privacy Division (CSPD) of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). As a Cybersecurity Risk Manager (CSRM), you will guide stakeholders as they implement assessment and authorization policies and procedures, cybersecurity continuous monitoring, and risk management activities. You will collaborate with other CSRMs to provide support for stakeholders in identifying, communicating, and managing cybersecurity risks.


Management and Program Analyst (Direct Hire)

LaRC-26-DE-13042351-AS

Grade: GS-13

Langley Research Center

As an Analyst in the Management and Technical Support Office of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, you will work closely with multiple high-performing, fast-paced, technical teams executing high-visibility and often urgent tasks. You will secure and manage critical resources via varied procurement instruments by communicating requirements across NASA, industry, other government agencies, and academia to meet goals and objectives.


Industrial Hygienist

HQ-26-ST-13046302-BL

Grade: GS-14/15

Headquarters, NASA

As the Senior Environmental Health Officer or Environmental Health Officer, you will serve as the Agency authorities for industrial hygiene and health physics. You will lead on-site risk reviews, integrating occupational health across all Centers. You will mitigate chemical hazards, assist with mishap reviews, and direct radiation/laser safety for space nuclear missions, ensuring workforce protection during complex operations while collaborating with others as needed.


Data Scientist (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13043684-AK

Grade: GS-14

Headquarters, NASA

As a senior Data Scientist, you serve as a technical authority guiding agency data and analytic systems. You lead the design and deployment of advanced statistical and machine learning models, establish standards for data quality and model validation, architect analytic environments, and advise leadership on data and analytic strategy to support mission priorities.


Supervisory Management Analyst

HQ-26-IMP-13046480-BL

Grade: GS-15

Headquarters, NASA

As Supervisory Management Analyst (Branch Chief) in the Science Mission Directorate's (SMD's) Strategic Integration and Management Branch, you will lead a team of highly skilled analysts in delivering comprehensive support and solutions for SMD. This role interfaces directly with SMD's Associate Administrator, providing forward-thinking strategy for NASA's science programs while coordinating engagement with key stakeholders, including Congress and the Executive Office of the President.



r/NASAJobs 5d ago

Question Can I work for NASA if I'm from Poland?

0 Upvotes

The title speaks for itself, but is it like totally 100% impossible?


r/NASAJobs 5d ago

Question NASA Force "Application Package Status: Referred", timeline?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone! My application was referred by HR to the hiring managers at NASA Ames earlier this month for a "Public Notice - Engineering (NASA Force) Direct Hire" position.

I haven't heard anything back yet. Is it typical to wait a month or more for an interview outreach under these NASA Force public notices, or should I assume the HM moved on with other candidates? Would love to hear from anyone familiar with the Ames civil service hiring timeline! Thanks.


r/NASAJobs 6d ago

Question Low odds

0 Upvotes

I posted before about a recent application I sent in.

Context: I’m early to mid 20’s and very early stages of my career. (Think 3 years in) I have experience as an administrative assistant, finances, clergy and other office related roles. Very closely worked with human resources as well.

What are the odds of actually getting a job at nasa in the admin department? I have my masters of business administration in Human Resources but no direct HR. Only working alongside dealing with sensitive employee information. Ive also created and implemented policies for my company.

With all that being said, my last post now has me conflicted. My resume accurately reflects my versatility but I’m concerned due to my inexperience and early experience that I’m not qualified enough or not exactly impressive. Technically I qualify for GS9 due to education and experience.

So I wanted to hear from all of you on your experience regarding applying vs actually working with nasa. I’m applying solely to admin and secretary like positions


r/NASAJobs 7d ago

Question I’m a software engineer students who wants to work at nasa what advice do u guys have for me?

0 Upvotes

i didn’t have the opportunity to get into another space heavy major but I want to work in the space industry in general

ive thought of taking the route of becoming an embedded software engineer but this is a very rough draft of what I want to do if u guys have any ideas that might help it would be appreciated


r/NASAJobs 7d ago

Question What does it actually take to be competitive for a 2210 position?

1 Upvotes

Looking for some insight from current/former NASA 2210s, hiring managers, HR, or anyone familiar with the hiring process.

I’m currently a GS-13 working in cybersecurity and have been referred for several NASA GS-13/14 2210 positions. I’m trying to get a better understanding of what actually makes someone competitive once their application gets through HR and in front of the people making the hiring decisions.

My background is primarily cybersecurity. I have CISSP, CISM, 4 GIAC certifications, and several others.

I’m mainly trying to figure out how NASA wants to see that experience presented on the resume. I’ve heard that it’s important to make sure the resume directly addresses the specialized experience and duties in the announcement, and also the competencies listed under how you’ll be evaluated.

For anyone who has been involved in the process, how much weight do those competencies actually carry when deciding who to interview? Do you want to see them explicitly addressed in the experience bullets, or is demonstrating them through the work you’ve done enough?

I’m also curious what hiring managers are actually looking for when reviewing the candidates who have made it through the qualification process. Are there things that tend to separate the people you want to interview from everyone else on the list?

Basically, I’m trying to understand what separates someone who is qualified for the position from someone a NASA hiring manager actually wants to talk to. I’m not looking for a way to game the process. I just want to make sure I’m presenting my actual experience the right way.

Appreciate any insight, especially from anyone who has been on the hiring side at NASA.


r/NASAJobs 7d ago

Question Working for NASA with a humanities background...realistic or no? How to give myself the best chance?

6 Upvotes

I'm a senior graduating December 2027, not too far from JSC. I'm majoring in history with a minor in poli sci, and my biggest areas of historical interest are the history of space exploration and human spaceflight. I'm also currently working on a space history related paper intended for publication. I dream of working at NASA in the epicenter of the subfield I'm so fascinated with, but I don't know how realistic that is considering I'm not your typical STEM major and there's probably not as many history jobs. Would I be qualified for comms/public affairs or something like that? What can I do to get my foot in the door potentially?


r/NASAJobs 8d ago

Question Anyone at NASA that came from a chemistry background?

7 Upvotes

I would assume chemical engineering instead of chemistry but as a chemistry student im curious if I could end up at NASA. I'm a freshman and while I'm studying chemistry I love space. If I could end up at NASA what kind of things would I need to do in school to get there?


r/NASAJobs 8d ago

Question NASA Feeder Colleges?

1 Upvotes

Which colleges are the major feeders to NASA across different engineering disciplines?


r/NASAJobs 8d ago

Question 10th Grader wants to work at NASA

6 Upvotes

Hi, I'm currently in the 10th grade at a school that isn't super STEM supportive (I say this as they don't have any courses or clubs, I've been wanting to do FIRST robotics for a while now, but nobody has any interest). I have a super big interest in everything space, STEM, coding, and robotics. I love space, I think it's so interesting. I look up to Christiana Koch because she went to the college I want to go to. I either want to be an aerospace engineer or an astrophysicist, what are some things I need to be doing daily, what are some opportunities I should look into. I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to make super I'm a top student and can accomplish my goal of working at NASA!

Thank you so much for reading :)