6 answers
Atticus
Student
Gresham, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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What to do to get a Job for Nasa?
I personly feel like becoming an engineer, and I would love to wor up to being with Nasa in the future.
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6 answers
Kevin Bergman
Component Hardware Engineer
2
Answers
Windermere, Florida
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Atticus,
Everyone has provided excellent advice to start your journey towards a career at NASA.
There are multiple paths and a plethora of opportunities not only under the NASA and DARPA umbrellas, but also with the commercial space companies (Spacex, Blue Origin, ULA, etc).
First, I would advise understanding which discipline of engineering/science interests you/you have a passion for. And please keep in mind, there is/can be crossover within the disciplines (or ‘concentrations’) and multiple paths to achieve your goals.
If you find interest with aerodynamics (airfoil design, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, trajectories, wind tunnels, advanced materials, etc.) I would suggest looking into aeronautical/aerospace engineering or mechanical/materials engineering programs/opportunities.
If you find interest in propulsion systems (rocket fuels, engines, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, advanced materials, etc) I would suggest looking into chemical engineering, Aerospace engineering , or mechanical/materials engineering.
If you find interest with ‘payloads’ (satellites, trajectories, rovers/landers, etc) I would suggest looking into electrical engineering, aerospace, or mechanical/materials engineering.
In addition to internship/volunteer opportunities, look for available clubs in STEM (rocket, robotics, propulsion, etc). It may also benefit to look into a pilots license if flying/aerospace interests you.
I also agree, nothing beats the opportunity to visit a NASA center/open house, air and space museum, or airshow!
Everyone has provided excellent advice to start your journey towards a career at NASA.
There are multiple paths and a plethora of opportunities not only under the NASA and DARPA umbrellas, but also with the commercial space companies (Spacex, Blue Origin, ULA, etc).
First, I would advise understanding which discipline of engineering/science interests you/you have a passion for. And please keep in mind, there is/can be crossover within the disciplines (or ‘concentrations’) and multiple paths to achieve your goals.
If you find interest with aerodynamics (airfoil design, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, trajectories, wind tunnels, advanced materials, etc.) I would suggest looking into aeronautical/aerospace engineering or mechanical/materials engineering programs/opportunities.
If you find interest in propulsion systems (rocket fuels, engines, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, advanced materials, etc) I would suggest looking into chemical engineering, Aerospace engineering , or mechanical/materials engineering.
If you find interest with ‘payloads’ (satellites, trajectories, rovers/landers, etc) I would suggest looking into electrical engineering, aerospace, or mechanical/materials engineering.
In addition to internship/volunteer opportunities, look for available clubs in STEM (rocket, robotics, propulsion, etc). It may also benefit to look into a pilots license if flying/aerospace interests you.
I also agree, nothing beats the opportunity to visit a NASA center/open house, air and space museum, or airshow!
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Working for NASA could be an exciting career. You can get more information on the details there at this website:
https://www.nasa.gov/careers/ All the best to you.
https://www.nasa.gov/careers/ All the best to you.
Renu Sethi, PMP , CCP
Program Management
1
Answer
Irving, Texas
Updated
Renu’s Answer
Hi Atticus!
I trust you had a delightful Christmas holiday and managed to engage in some exciting activities during your break.
David shared a fantastic resource for exploring potential career paths at NASA. Given your age and educational background, you might be interested in NASA's excellent intern/coop program, known as NASA Pathways. This program typically targets college students.
While you're still in high school, consider volunteering or applying for NASA research via the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program.
Keep honing your STEM skills for a promising career at NASA. Best of luck on your exciting journey!
I trust you had a delightful Christmas holiday and managed to engage in some exciting activities during your break.
David shared a fantastic resource for exploring potential career paths at NASA. Given your age and educational background, you might be interested in NASA's excellent intern/coop program, known as NASA Pathways. This program typically targets college students.
While you're still in high school, consider volunteering or applying for NASA research via the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program.
Keep honing your STEM skills for a promising career at NASA. Best of luck on your exciting journey!
Aditi Kannan
Management Consulting
26
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Aditi’s Answer
Hey Atticus, the link David has provided is exactly the right place to start. There's a variety of different roles at Nasa, so go through and see what kind of department would be most interesting to you.
Also, contact your local library to see what books and other resources they can lend you for a deep-dive into the field.
If you happen to live near a space center or perhaps a science museum, see if you have the time to volunteer, this is a great way to get immersed in the field before you even do your degree.
Depending on where you are in the college application process, look for colleges with the majors you want, and look at professors that belong to those departments. Even if you don't end up going to a specific college, you can contact professors in the field you're interested in, and see if they have paid/unpaid volunteer roles in their labs, or lectures they will let you sit in on.
Overall, tons of young people want to work at Nasa, but if you can show good college grades and a demonstrated long-term interest in the field, you will (a) be extra appealing when you apply to Nasa, and (b) will get FANTASTIC recommendations from everyone you interact with along the way. Hope this helps.
Also, contact your local library to see what books and other resources they can lend you for a deep-dive into the field.
If you happen to live near a space center or perhaps a science museum, see if you have the time to volunteer, this is a great way to get immersed in the field before you even do your degree.
Depending on where you are in the college application process, look for colleges with the majors you want, and look at professors that belong to those departments. Even if you don't end up going to a specific college, you can contact professors in the field you're interested in, and see if they have paid/unpaid volunteer roles in their labs, or lectures they will let you sit in on.
Overall, tons of young people want to work at Nasa, but if you can show good college grades and a demonstrated long-term interest in the field, you will (a) be extra appealing when you apply to Nasa, and (b) will get FANTASTIC recommendations from everyone you interact with along the way. Hope this helps.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Atticus,
Securing an Engineering Job at NASA
NASA, the renowned National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is a highly esteemed institution offering thrilling career paths for engineers. Here's a guide to amplify your prospects of securing an engineering role at NASA:
1. Obtain an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree: To qualify as an engineer at NASA, it's crucial to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from a recognized institution. The most sought-after engineering specialties at NASA encompass aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
2. Acquire Relevant Experience: NASA favors applicants with pertinent work experience. This experience can be attained through internships at NASA or employment in the private engineering sector. NASA provides internships, fellowships, and scholarships for students keen on forging a career in the space industry.
3. Achieve Certification: Depending on your engineering specialty, you might need to secure certification from a professional engineering body. For instance, mechanical engineers can achieve certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
4. Craft a Compelling Resume: Accentuate your educational credentials, work experience, skills, and certifications in your resume. Ensure your resume is customized to the role you're targeting and underscores your accomplishments rather than merely enumerating your responsibilities.
5. Submit Job Applications: Job vacancies at NASA can be found and applied for via the USAJobs website. Thoroughly read the job description and ensure you meet all the prerequisites before applying. You can also submit applications directly on NASA’s website.
6. Gear Up for the Interview: If you're shortlisted for an interview, prepare thoroughly by researching NASA and the specific division you're applying to. Practice responding to typical interview questions and be prepared to talk about your skills, experience, and career aspirations.
7. Maintain Persistence: Securing a job at NASA can be challenging due to the competition, so it's vital to remain persistent and continue applying. Keep enhancing your skills and experience, and stay informed about the latest advancements in the space industry.
In a nutshell, landing an engineering job at NASA necessitates a robust educational foundation, pertinent work experience, necessary certification, a persuasive resume, perseverance in job applications, and thorough preparation for the interview process. By adhering to these steps, you can boost your chances of achieving your dream job at NASA.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Securing an Engineering Job at NASA
NASA, the renowned National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is a highly esteemed institution offering thrilling career paths for engineers. Here's a guide to amplify your prospects of securing an engineering role at NASA:
1. Obtain an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree: To qualify as an engineer at NASA, it's crucial to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from a recognized institution. The most sought-after engineering specialties at NASA encompass aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
2. Acquire Relevant Experience: NASA favors applicants with pertinent work experience. This experience can be attained through internships at NASA or employment in the private engineering sector. NASA provides internships, fellowships, and scholarships for students keen on forging a career in the space industry.
3. Achieve Certification: Depending on your engineering specialty, you might need to secure certification from a professional engineering body. For instance, mechanical engineers can achieve certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
4. Craft a Compelling Resume: Accentuate your educational credentials, work experience, skills, and certifications in your resume. Ensure your resume is customized to the role you're targeting and underscores your accomplishments rather than merely enumerating your responsibilities.
5. Submit Job Applications: Job vacancies at NASA can be found and applied for via the USAJobs website. Thoroughly read the job description and ensure you meet all the prerequisites before applying. You can also submit applications directly on NASA’s website.
6. Gear Up for the Interview: If you're shortlisted for an interview, prepare thoroughly by researching NASA and the specific division you're applying to. Practice responding to typical interview questions and be prepared to talk about your skills, experience, and career aspirations.
7. Maintain Persistence: Securing a job at NASA can be challenging due to the competition, so it's vital to remain persistent and continue applying. Keep enhancing your skills and experience, and stay informed about the latest advancements in the space industry.
In a nutshell, landing an engineering job at NASA necessitates a robust educational foundation, pertinent work experience, necessary certification, a persuasive resume, perseverance in job applications, and thorough preparation for the interview process. By adhering to these steps, you can boost your chances of achieving your dream job at NASA.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Jed Pitera
Researcher
12
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Jed’s Answer
It was implied by some of the other answers, but also make sure you either volunteer or pursue internship opportunities at NASA (or a related company) during your undergraduate studies. This will give you experience and connections that help prepare you for a career there.