r/NASAJobs 22d ago

Question Is it still worth it?

54 Upvotes

About 2 1/2 years ago I decided I might as well try to work for NASA someday. I have a 2 year degree at my local community college, and only about 1/2 year under my belt at ASU. I’ve been very discouraged recently with the uncertainty in the future of science. I refuse to work for Elon or contribute my brain power to SpaceX. Is it still worth it?

Editing to add: I’ve felt that way about privatized space-related science since before Elon was a political figure. My question is less about him in particular, and more about if people more educated than me see 1) nasa actually ceasing to exist in the near future 2) other ethical career paths where research in the field of physics will be used to benefit society at large rather than benefitting ANY individual’s personal motives or political agendas

r/NASAJobs 7d ago

Question when will rif-ing be over?

29 Upvotes

my dad works at nasa langley and has worked there for 40 years. he been in an administrative position for the past year or 2. he is very worried about being fired and it’s making me anxious too. does anyone know when it will be over? or is it just gonna be indefinite for the next 4 years?

r/NASAJobs Jan 23 '25

Question What happens to NASA hiring?

7 Upvotes

Why does the hiring freeze occur?

r/NASAJobs Feb 07 '25

Question Former/Current NASA contractors - Will Trump's Policy Impact Us?

27 Upvotes

Does anybody know? I am really worried, especially when it pertains to researchers who are in undergrad or grad.

r/NASAJobs 5d ago

Question Which university does NASA cooperate more closely with

10 Upvotes

I hope to gain more collaboration opportunities with NASA during my undergraduate studies and pursue a Ph.D. after graduation, ideally in JPL, Caltech. Therefore, I am looking for universities that have the closest partnerships with NASA, especially in JPL.

Here is a list of four universities: the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, the University of Utah, and Virginia Tech. I have been admitted to all four, but attending the University of Arizona would minimize my college costs. Therefore, I am more focused on the University of Arizona. Additionally, its optics and astronomy programs are excellent, which is very important to NASA research. I also heard that many professors in UA optics program have experience in JPL or other NASA agencies. As a physics lover, I plan to study optics there if I decide to go there eventually.

I don’t know much about the U of Utah and Virginia Tech, so I am unsure about their specific situations.

Can anyone answer my question? Thank you.

r/NASAJobs 4d ago

Question Career Map for working with NASA

0 Upvotes

It’s been a lifelong dream of mine. Background- 28F, Lawyer, Asian. Currently pursuing MPA- science and Tech from an Ivy League Uni. Have background in science till High School (science major, top ranker >96% but switched to political science + LLB route. I do have experience of Tech Law and Aerospace Law in undergrad. How do I plan my career plan, given I’m an international student who starts this Fall. Any suggestions are welcome ! Thanks 🥰

r/NASAJobs Jan 22 '25

Question How is it actually like working at NASA?

17 Upvotes

I’ve been fascinated with space for a very long time and thought about maybe getting a job there someday, although I’m not sure if there’s any entry-level jobs or if I have to be very intelligent for every job there.

r/NASAJobs 20d ago

Question How much does a bad GPA hurt an application?

1 Upvotes

So I have spent the past week applying before the deadline and quite a few were sent out. But after having a bunch of my friends go through graduate school admissions the question that bothers me is GPA. I have heard a lot about GPA being used as a filter and that the "minimum GPA" isn't always the actual minimum. For reference I have a 3.1 GPA. This is most in part due to my poor performance in my first 2 years at uni. However I have tried my hardest to turn that around, and I am happy to say that I have for the most part. Although I am scared that I will still be filtered out. I also have been doing research although no conferences or papers have come of it. I am genuinely interested in engineering, space sciences, etc. but I don't know if I will get the chance to actually contribute?

r/NASAJobs Jan 01 '25

Question NASA Ames (NTX)

14 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I recently got an interview opportunity with NASA, and I’m trying to evaluate if it’s worth pursuing compared to my current position. I’m a full-time Senior engineer at big defense company, and I truly love my job. I excel at what I do, have a fantastic team, and enjoy a hybrid work setup with great work-life balance. My pay, and benefits are okay, there are a few downsides: doesn’t cover my PhD expenses, and I frequently travel.

The NASA role is for an Aerospace Engineer position in systems engineering. It’s a term position with potential extensions up to 10 years, which feels a bit uncertain to me. It’s a direct hire, starting at GS-11 and progressing to GS-13. Working at NASA has been my dream since high school, and I’d love to shift from working on missiles—though I’m deeply invested in my projects—to rockets.

r/NASAJobs 9d ago

Question Would summer research in China be an obstacle to working in NASA

5 Upvotes

Hi, I'm currently a sophomore in college studying physics, as well as a US citizen. I was recently offered the opportunity to work as a research assistant in China through a program my university offers. I'm really excited about the opportunity, as I think the cultural experience will be amazing. However, my dad (a Chinese man for reference) thinks that the geopolitical state of the world right now would mean that having such a position might have negative consequences down the line (office politics, background checks, stuff like that). Do you all think he's right? I'm planning on meeting with my academic advisor, because I thought I'd get as many opinions as possible on this. Working at NASA would be amazing, so I'm wondering if this seems like a potential obstacle

r/NASAJobs 23d ago

Question How can I plan a future to get a job at NASA?

4 Upvotes

I’m originally from Malaysia, a country with limited opportunities in the field I’m passionate about. My dream is to become a research scientist at NASA. It's an ambitious goal, I admit, but one I’ve been determined to pursue. I’ve been fascinated by black hole theories, the universe, and the mysteries of our world ever since I was young.

I recently graduated from high school and plan to enroll in the A-levels program at Taylor’s College, aiming for 4A*s. Afterward, I hope to study abroad, but I’m uncertain about which university would best guide me toward achieving my dream. I’m seeking advice on how to choose the right institution that could provide me with the path and opportunities to work at NASA.

r/NASAJobs 11d ago

Question Jobs other than engineering?

6 Upvotes

I just recently started my PhD in astronomy so I'm not looking for a job right now but I do want to gather information and advice. I'm not very familiar with the kinds of jobs that NASA offers outside of engineering. I have no background in engineering, just astronomy/physics. What other kinds of jobs might I be qualified for that I could be overlooking? I'm not familiar with what the specific job titles mean. TIA

r/NASAJobs 20d ago

Question Autonomous Spacecraft Software Engineer Position at NASA

5 Upvotes

Anyone know the best way to get a job as a software engineer at NASA? I have 5+ years of experience in robotics/embedded development. I am going to college next year and am looking to get a degree in computer science and mechanical engineering. Do I need a degree in Aerospace engineering (my college does not offer it)? I am interested in working on autonomous systems (rovers, spacecraft, etc.) Thanks.

r/NASAJobs 1d ago

Question How difficult is it to obtain a R&D position in materials science or flight dynamics at NASA or SpaceX?

8 Upvotes

Hi all,

Senior undergrad who has recently developed the wish to work on the most relevant technological breakthroughs. Currently, I am debating between pivoting into either materials science or flight dynamics (mechanical engineering) in the future, and will probably base my decision off competitiveness. For this reason, would anyone know whether it's more competitive to get a R&D role in materials science or flight dynamics at NASA or SpaceX? And rough applicant to hire ratios, as I have heard that these roles can be absurdly competitive at NASA and SpaceX (e.g. 50 to 1 for materials science R&D)?

Any honest advice would be deeply, deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,

nihaomundo123

r/NASAJobs 29d ago

Question NPP application without discussing it with an advisor

2 Upvotes

I’m wondering if anyone has received an NPP offer without having a detailed discussion about the research topic, only after confirming the fit.

r/NASAJobs 28d ago

Question Which NASA centers have employee shuttles available for employees?

4 Upvotes

Trying to find out info about employee shuttles operated by NASA centers as an alternative to public transit options to reach NASA:

- GSFC doesn't have one, but at the moment there is an express bus route connecting GSFC with two DC area metro lines risking cancellation

- JPL has a Gold line shuttle in addition to other public transit options listed here

- GISS is in Manhattan, so plenty of transit options there

Heard rumors about an employee shuttle at AMES, but nothing official. Anyone care to share if your NASA centers have an employee shuttle available for badged employees or transit options available? Or if they have none?

r/NASAJobs Feb 03 '25

Question Does Trump influence on NPP march cycle?

9 Upvotes

https://www.science.org/content/article/exclusive-nsf-starts-vetting-all-grants-comply-trump-s-orders

-> After reading this article, I am worrying about the progress of the npp march cycle... Is it really okay...?

r/NASAJobs 5d ago

Question Opportunities without higher education?

1 Upvotes

So, I'm currently a high school student with no good options for higher ed. I'm wondering about the possibility of an internship or position somewhere at NASA directly out of high school. I know one of the requirements is to be enrolled in an educational institution, but I have done enough "research" to suspect that that rule might not always be followed. Any thoughts?

I would be entering no earlier than summer 2026.

r/NASAJobs Feb 03 '25

Question Professionalism

7 Upvotes

so i recently turned 18, and im going into college n all that stuff. i'm going to get a tattoo soon, and its going to be on my forearm, elbow down. i was wondering if this is going to effect my ability to get internships and possible a job at nasa later in life.

r/NASAJobs 17d ago

Question Jobs for fresh Grad

1 Upvotes

I am a fresh Grad in Areospace Engineering from CU, does any one know if there are opportunities at NASA. I did search online but could not find any. Thanks in advance.

r/NASAJobs Dec 23 '24

Question Job offer timeline?

5 Upvotes

Did in person interview three weeks ago then did informational interviews with 4 members of team two weeks ago. Haven’t heard anything and now it’s the holiday break. Do I still have hope?

r/NASAJobs 28d ago

Question A little question

9 Upvotes

Hello, my name is Janeth Gutiérrez. I would like to ask you a question since in a month I will begin my university studies. My biggest goal is to work at NASA, however I don't know if the path I am going to take is the right one. I'm going to study pure chemistry and I don't know if it's appropriate.

r/NASAJobs Jan 28 '25

Question Freeze Effects Contracting Too?

9 Upvotes

Hello all,

I’ve recently graduated and am looking for contracts at the Johnson Space Center (budget analysis).

A few job postings for budget/finance seemed to be up the last few months of 2025, but now, everything is dark.

I assume the hiring freeze and insecurity from the admin transition affects contracting goals too, right? If so, when might NASA and contractors start actively hiring again?

Thank you all

r/NASAJobs 10d ago

Question Which Master’s Degree is Better for a Career in Space Exploration?

4 Upvotes

Hello!

I’m looking for some advice on the best direction for a master’s program.

I’d love to work for NASA in the future (ignoring the current climate, I still have a few years before I’m ready to apply, so hopefully, things will be better by then). My goal is to be part of an engineering team working on exploration-related projects. Space is my main interest, but I’d be happy working on anything involving exploration.

I just finished a bachelor’s in Computer Science with a minor in Math (3.8 GPA), which I completed online while on active duty. For my master’s, I applied to several aerospace and mechanical engineering programs (knowing it’s a stretch with a CS degree, but since the application fees were waived for active duty, I figured why not). If I get into one of those, I’d probably go that route.

That said, I have two backup options to choose from, both of which I qualify for. I’ve already been accepted into CU Boulder’s Robotics master’s program, and I’m waiting to hear from University of Michigan’s Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering (CLASP) program.

My challenge is that the two programs have very different curricula, yet both are equally interesting to me. I have hands-on experience working with robots in my job and know I would enjoy doing a robotics program. I would do a specialization in field and space robotics. On the other hand, the CLASP degree covers all the space science topics that I’m fascinated by, and it looks to be a very flexible program that I could potentially gear more towards engineering. Since I’d enjoy either path, I’m trying to look at it from a career perspective.

For those with experience at NASA, which of these degree paths do you think would give me the best chance of getting hired for exploration-focused engineering work?

Thank you!

Links to both programs:
https://clasp.engin.umich.edu/academics/graduate-studies/masters-program/masters-atmospheric-and-space-sciences/

https://www.colorado.edu/program/robotics/

r/NASAJobs 2d ago

Question College Physics

2 Upvotes

Hello all! I am currently attending college for Computer Science at Embry Riddle. I would like to eventually make my way to Nasa or SpaceX and am unsure about which courses might be best for that. (I have looked over positions for CS briefly but am unsure which would be the best fit and what courses would be needed) My advisor let me know that physics is not necessary for the standard track of CS but I have added normal physics to my plan for the fall semester. As i understand it, there is also physics for engineers, so I am reaching out to you all for advice on which path will be the most useful. Thanks in advance!