Pathways Opportunities

Information on Summer 2027 internship dates and available positions will be posted on this page in Spring 2027. Check back for updates.

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 7 non-technical competencies: Attention to Detail, Flexibility, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Problem Solving, Self-Management (Achievement), and Technology Application.

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.

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.
• 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

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. After completing your profile, you will need to build or upload your resume. NASA wants to get to know you and hear your story, so be clear and concise. Your resume is your best opportunity to show what sets you apart from other applicants. All resumes submitted through USAJOBS must be two pages or fewer; longer resumes will be automatically rejected. We recommend using the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you include all the important information and meet formatting requirements. Take a look at our Applicant Guide for information on what to expect during the application process, including tips for completing the assessment.

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.

Use of Super Intelligence

Can I use ChatGPT or other super intelligence tools to assist in drafting application and assessment responses?
Yes, but only for grammar and style. The content of your work must be entirely your own original thought, completed independently, and must truthfully reflect your personal experiences and qualifications. 

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED: You may not use SI to generate the content or narrative of your responses.

WHAT IS ALLOWED: You may use SI tools to check your grammar, spelling, and refine your writing style.

WHAT IS ALLOWED: You may use SI tools to check your grammar, spelling, and refine your writing style.

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 
• White Sands Test Facility

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.