Working as a NASA engineer involves contributing to missions that push the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration. The path to this career is demanding, built on a strong educational foundation and a specific set of skills. This article outlines the educational journey and professional attributes necessary to become an engineer at the agency.
Foundational Degree Requirements
The first step toward a career as a NASA engineer is earning a bachelor’s degree. While an engineering degree is the most direct route, NASA also considers degrees in physics, life science, physical science, and mathematics. For engineering degrees earned in the United States, accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is required.
ABET accreditation is a non-governmental process ensuring that a university program meets the quality standards of the engineering profession. This accreditation signifies that a candidate’s education has covered a peer-reviewed curriculum of engineering and scientific principles, providing a baseline assurance of technical competence.
Common Engineering Degrees at NASA
While NASA hires engineers from many disciplines, several fields are common due to their direct application to the agency’s missions.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is a directly applicable degree for a NASA career. These engineers focus on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. At NASA, they are involved in everything from the initial concept of a Mars rover to the aerodynamic principles of a supersonic jet. They work on both the hardware and software required to operate flight systems within and beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers at NASA work on a broad array of projects. Their expertise is applied to the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. This can include developing robotic arms for the International Space Station, creating the intricate mechanisms for deploying solar arrays on a satellite, or designing the thermal control systems that protect spacecraft from the extreme temperatures of space.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is integral to NASA missions. These engineers design and develop the electrical systems that power spacecraft, facilitate communication with Earth, and operate scientific instruments. Their work includes power distribution systems on launch vehicles and the intricate avionics and navigation systems that guide a probe through the solar system. They also develop equipment for transmitting data from deep space.
Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Computer engineering and computer science are increasingly important. Engineers in these fields develop flight software, ground systems for mission control, and the programs for analyzing the vast amounts of data returned from missions. They work on everything from real-time operating systems for rovers to simulations for air traffic control. NASA job listings for computer science often require credit hours in mathematics and statistics, including calculus.
Materials Science and Engineering
Success in space exploration depends on advanced materials, the domain of materials science and engineering. These engineers research and create materials that withstand the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum. Their work involves developing lightweight composites for spacecraft, heat shields for atmospheric re-entry, or specialized alloys for rocket engine components.
The Role of Advanced Degrees
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for an entry-level engineering position, but an advanced degree like a Master of Science or a Ph.D. can be a significant advantage. For many operational roles involving the design and testing of mission systems, a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience is sufficient. An advanced degree can sometimes substitute for years of required work experience in a job application.
For positions focused on research and development, an advanced degree is often preferred or required. A Master’s degree provides specialized knowledge in subfields like propulsion or robotics, making a candidate more competitive. A Ph.D. is necessary for roles that involve leading original scientific research or developing new technologies.
Essential Skills Beyond the Degree
NASA looks for a range of practical skills, both technical and interpersonal, to succeed in the agency’s collaborative environment. Technical proficiency in specific software and tools is valued. Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software, analytical tools like MATLAB, and programming languages such as Python or C++ can be a significant asset. NASA also seeks engineers with strong problem-solving abilities to overcome unexpected challenges.
Well-developed soft skills are equally important. The ability to work effectively as part of a team is needed for large, multidisciplinary projects. Strong communication skills are required to convey complex technical information clearly, while adaptability and a willingness to learn are valued in the face of evolving technology.
Additional Pathways and Requirements
A strong academic record is expected, with many internship and entry-level positions requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A requirement for direct employment with NASA as a civil servant is U.S. citizenship. This is standard for most U.S. federal government positions. While non-citizens may work on NASA projects through contractor companies or academic institutions, direct federal employment is restricted.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships and cooperative education (co-op) programs is an effective way to start a career at NASA. The agency’s Pathways Intern Employment Program provides students with paid work experience and a potential route to full-time employment after graduation. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge to real projects, build a professional network, and demonstrate their capabilities to potential future employers within the agency.