Disciplines	Targeted Majors
Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering	Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering
Chemical/Materials	Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Molecular Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Welding Engineering
Civil/Industrial	Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering
Computer or Software Engineering	Computational Science & Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering
Electrical	Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences
Fire Protection	Fire Protection Engineering
Mechanical	Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics Engineering
Industrial or (Civil Engineering)	Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering
Materials or (Chemical Engineering)	Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Molecular Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Welding Engineering

Who We Look For

We’re looking for students who are captivated with our Vision, Mission, and Core Values and embody characteristics integral to NASA’s success. Top candidates are well-rounded students from a variety of backgrounds who demonstrate curiosity, team-orientation, excellence, a passion for exploration, agility, and resilience. Prior experience is not required! During the hiring process, we assess the following 12 competencies:

•Accountability, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reading, Self-Management (Achievement), Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork

The Experience

As a Pathways Intern, we invest in you on purpose—assigning you with challenging, meaningful work aligned with your academic or career interests, providing you with life-long learning and growth opportunities, and cultivating a supportive community that offers you a home away from home. 

Careers After Graduation

Throughout your Pathways Internship, you’re given the autonomy to define your own career trajectory at NASA. At the beginning of your internship, we will work with you to develop an “Individual Development Plan” that will help put your experience and path in your hands by defining assignments, training events, and learning opportunities that will help you achieve your career goals. 

As you get closer to graduation, we will evaluate your experience and consider you for full-time permanent or term (1-6 years) employment that would begin after you complete your degree. No additional job applications needed!

Types of Internships

We offer a variety of internship opportunities across a variety of disciplines within the following OPM occupational classifications. We post the specific disciplines and skillsets we hire for in the weeks prior to applications opening.

Engineering, Science, and Technology

• GS-899: Engineering
• GS-1399: Physical Sciences

Business

• GS-0099: Safety & Occupational Health
• GS-199: Social Sciences
• GS-299: Human Resources
• GS-399: Administration and Program Management & Analysis
• GS-599: Accounting & Budget
• GS-1099: Communication & Public Relations
• GS-1199: Procurement and Contracts
• GS-1599: Math & Statistics 
• GS-2299: Information Technology

Where We Work

There are several NASA centers located across the nation engaged in a variety of work. For examples of the work that our interns perform across the country, take a look at our Facebook and Instagram accounts. 

Eligibility Requirements

All Pathways Interns must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Be at least 16 years of age;
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis in an accredited educational institution and maintain enrollment at least half time as defined by the institution;
• Be pursuing a degree or certificate;
• Currently have and maintain a cumulative 2.9 grade point average on a 4.0 scale;
• Be able to complete at least 480 hours of work prior to completing your degree/certificate requirements; Johnson Space Center has specific requirements which can be viewed here.
• Required to sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Required to undergo a pre-employment background investigation
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
• Vacancies also require that applicants be available to begin work between a predetermined timeframe, typically the subsequent two semesters following the closing date of the vacancy for which you applied.

How to Apply

When applications open, a direct link will appear at the top of this page. You’ll use that link to apply through USAJobs.gov, as the announcement will not appear in regular USAJobs searches. Each vacancy lists multiple NASA Center locations and has different educational requirements (e.g., specific academic majors). To begin the process, follow these steps:
Step 1: Do your research. Learn about the type of work performed at each of our NASA facilities so that you’ll be able to find where you’d best fit at NASA based on your academic and career interests. 

Step 2: Prepare your application. Visit USAJobs.gov to create your profile, and build your resume. Check out our tips below for building your resume.

Step 3: Apply to a vacancy during the open application window. When you apply, be sure to apply to the vacancy that aligns with BOTH your academic major and preferred geographic location(s) in order to route your application to the type of work you’re interested in. Take a look at our Applicant Guide for lots of information on what to expect during the application process. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence

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.

Writing Your Resume

NASA wants to get to know you and see your story – so be clear and concise, but elaborate! Your resume is your best opportunity to demonstrate what sets you apart from other applicants. Write your USAJobs resume in a narrative format, where you highlight your accomplishments by using the CAR method (Challenge/Action/Result). 

Meet Our Interns

Are you ready for your NASA Internship? Meet some of our interns and learn their backgrounds, why they chose a NASA internship, and what they’re working on!

Pathways Program Points of Contact

• Ames Research Center
• Armstrong Flight Research Center
• Glenn Research Center
• Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility, and The IV&V Facility 
• NASA Headquarters
• Johnson Space Center & The White Sands Test Facility.
• Kennedy Space Center
• Langley Research Center
• Marshall Space Flight Center
• NASA Shared Services Center
• Stennis Space Center 

Frequently Asked Questions

Not finding what you’re looking for? Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about our Internships & Pathways program here.