Frequently Asked Questions

Applications

• What are your current openings?
• I don’t see a current vacancy that matches my profile. Can I still submit my resume?
• I applied to a position, but have not heard back. How can I find out the status of my application?
• Can I make changes to an application that I submitted online?
• When will I found out if I was selected for the position? How long does it take?
• I do not have a degree, does experience count?
• Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
• Do you hire people on a part-time basis?
• Can I use ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence tools to assist in drafting application and assessment responses?

Job Seekers with Disabilities

• Does a disability disqualify me for a position at NASA?
• Do I need to disclose my disability when applying for a job?

Veterans

• When does veterans’ preference apply?

Students

• I am a student considering a future career at NASA. What courses should I take? What major should I choose?
• What student programs does NASA offer?
• What opportunities are available for recent college graduates?

What are your current openings?

For a list of current openings, including Pathways opportunities, visit NASA’s USAJOBS site. You can search by keyword or location. Please note that short-term, non-federal positions, such as seasonal internships and fellowships, are not listed on USAJOBS. Instead, visit intern.nasa.gov for more information on these types of opportunities.

I don’t see a current vacancy that matches my profile. Can I still submit my resume?

No, you can only submit a resume for a vacancy that has been advertised on USAJOBS. We do not keep resumes on file. If there are no current vacancies that match your skill set, you can create a “saved search” in USAJOBS to search for jobs even when you’re not online. Saved searches will automatically search for jobs based on your search criteria, and email you at your primary email address when there are new jobs available. In order to create a saved search, you must first set up a USAJOBS account. Visit http://www.usajobs.gov and click on the “Create Profile” button and follow the instructions to set up your account and complete your profile.  Next, click the “Saved Searches” button. You can enter search criteria and begin searching.  After you find search criteria that meets your needs, you can click on the “Save this Search.” Give your search a title and select a notification frequency.

Search examples:

• Keyword: Mechanical Engineer
• Agency: NASA
• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• GS Level: 5 and above

I applied to a position, but have not heard back. How can I find out the status of my application?

You will receive email updates from NASA on your application at key points in the process:

• 1. When we receive your application.  You will receive an email from NASA to confirm that you have successfully applied.  An email from USAJOBS does not confirm successful application.  Alternatively, if you successfully apply, USAJOBS will show your application status as ‘Received’. If your status is ‘Application Status Not Available’, you have not successfully applied.
• 2. After an announcement closes and applications have been reviewed.  This typically occurs up to two weeks after the announcement closes.  You will receive an email to inform you that your resume was forwarded to a hiring manager or an email informing you of the reason your resume was not forwarded.  If your resume was not forwarded, this will be the last email you will receive about this announcement.
• 3. If your resume was forwarded to the hiring manager, you may be contacted for a phone or in person interview as part of the selection process.  You will receive an email after the hiring manager completes the selection process, which typically occurs within 45 to 60 days after the announcement closes.
• 4. If a vacancy announcement is canceled, you will receive an email notification stating the reason for the cancellation.

If you have questions about the status of your application, you may reach out to the point of contact listed on the vacancy announcement.

Can I make changes to an application that I submitted online?

Yes, you can update an application if the job has not closed and learn more here. After you review your information in USAJOBS, you will be transferred to the NASA application system.  You will be able to view your previous answers to supplemental question and edit them if needed.  You must follow all the steps and re-submit your application.  After you re-submit, you will receive an email from NASA to confirm that you have successfully applied.  An email from USAJOBS does not confirm successful application. 

When will I found out if I was selected for the position? How long does it take?

You will find out if you were selected after a hiring manager has made a decision, which typically takes between 45 and 60 days after the announcement closes, although this time frame can be shorter or longer. 

I do not have a degree, does experience count?

If you have experience, you may be qualified for many positions even without a college degree. Other than for professional, scientific and engineering positions, a college education generally is not required. The nature of your work experience is what really counts. Job applicants can qualify for most federal occupations based on job-related work experience and you can visit USAJobs to learn more.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

In most cases, you must be a U.S. citizen to work for NASA. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you may wish to consider opportunities with one of our international space partners or industry partners.

Do you hire people on a part-time basis?

Yes. Although we usually recruit to fill jobs on a full-time basis, we occasionally offer part-time opportunities, particularly for Pathways interns. You can search for part-time work using the search filters that appear on the right side of the search results page. Click “More Filters” and go to “work schedule.” Select part-time. Your search results will update to include only part-time 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.

Job Seekers with Disabilities

Does a disability disqualify me for a position at NASA?

Absolutely not. The federal government is actively recruiting and hiring persons with disabilities. If you’re an individual with a disability, you can apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications.  You may also be eligible under a special hiring authority called Schedule A, and you can visit USAJobs to learn more.

Do I need to disclose my disability when applying for a job?

No. However, if you are applying under the Schedule A authority, we may ask you for proof of your disability before forwarding your resume to a hiring manager. 

Veterans

When does veterans’ preference apply?

Veterans’ preference applies when agencies fill permanent and temporary positions in both the competitive and excepted service. There are three types of veterans’ preference: Disabled, non-disabled, and sole survivorship and you can visit USAJobs to learn more.

Students

I am a student considering a future career at NASA. What courses should I take? What major should I choose?

NASA needs workers who have a wide variety of knowledge and skills. NASA isn’t just astronauts and scientists. NASA has engineers, mathematicians, accountants, writers, IT specialists, project managers, public relations managers, and more. The most important thing for preparing to find a job at NASA is that you study what you like and work hard to achieve your goals.

What student programs does NASA offer?

At NASA, you have the opportunity to work and explore careers while still in school. The Pathways Internship Program provides current students with paid work experience and offers the chance for permanent employment at the agency. Learn more about the Pathways Program.

In addition, NASA’s Office of Education offers internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students as well as educators. NASA internships internship generally correspond to the academic calendar and occur in the spring, summer, fall, or winter. Some opportunities are year-long, typically from August through May.  Learn more at intern.nasa.gov.

What opportunities are available for recent college graduates?

If you have earned a masters, doctorate or professional degree within the last two years, the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program is an opportunity to participate in a two-year career development program with the possibility of permanent employment.  The PMF program is announced once a year by the Office of Personnel Management. For more information visit the PMF website. 

For more frequently asked questions, visit USAJOBS.