NASA occupations in 2026: the jobs that actually exist
NASA employs approximately 14,000 civil servants across 200+ occupation types. While engineers make up the largest share, the agency also employs scientists, mission operators, contract specialists, IT professionals, and dozens of other specialties. Each occupation follows a specific OPM (Office of Personnel Management) series code that determines qualification requirements, pay ranges, and career ladders.
Here's what the major NASA occupation categories look like, what they pay, and where the hiring demand is in 2026.
Engineering occupations (~45% of NASA workforce)
Engineering is NASA's largest occupation category. The major series:
| OPM Series | Title | Typical Grade Range | 2026 Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0861 | Aerospace Engineer | GS-7 to GS-15 | High (Artemis) |
| 0855 | Electronics Engineer | GS-9 to GS-15 | High (avionics) |
| 0830 | Mechanical Engineer | GS-7 to GS-15 | Moderate |
| 0854 | Computer Engineer | GS-9 to GS-15 | High (flight software) |
| 0801 | General Engineer | GS-7 to GS-15 | Moderate |
| 0896 | Systems Engineer | GS-11 to GS-15 | High |
Where engineering jobs are concentrated: JSC (Houston) — mission systems, crew equipment. MSFC (Huntsville) — propulsion, launch vehicle. KSC (Cape Canaveral) — launch operations, ground systems. Goddard (Greenbelt) — science instruments, satellites (but facing 46% proposed cuts).
Most in-demand engineering specialties: Flight software, GNC (guidance, navigation & control), avionics, propulsion, and cybersecurity. These align with Artemis program needs and are concentrated at the three most protected centers.
Science and research occupations (~22%)
| OPM Series | Title | Typical Grade Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1301 | General Physical Scientist | GS-11 to GS-15 | Broad category |
| 1310 | Physicist/Astrophysicist | GS-12 to GS-15/ST | JWST data, exoplanets |
| 1350 | Geologist/Geophysicist | GS-11 to GS-15 | Planetary science, Artemis samples |
| 1340 | Meteorologist | GS-11 to GS-14 | Climate, Earth observation |
| 0401 | Biologist | GS-11 to GS-14 | Astrobiology, life support |
Most science positions require a PhD or equivalent research experience. Scientists are concentrated at Goddard (Earth science, astrophysics), JPL (planetary science, robotic missions), and Ames (astrobiology, aeronautics research).
2026 challenge: Science occupations face the steepest budget pressure. Goddard's proposed 46% cut primarily affects Earth and space science programs. Ames (35% proposed cut) and Glenn (40% proposed cut) also heavily impact research staff.
Senior Technologist (ST) is a rare designation above GS-15 for exceptional scientists and engineers. There are fewer than 50 ST positions across all of NASA. ST pay can exceed the GS-15 cap of $197,200, reaching up to ~$212,000. These are among the most prestigious technical positions in the federal government and require sustained, nationally recognized contributions to a field.
Mission operations occupations (~15%)
| Role | Grade Range | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Controller | GS-9 to GS-14 | JSC (Houston) | 2-3 year certification |
| Flight Director | GS-14 to GS-15 | JSC | ~30 active at any time |
| Mission Planner | GS-11 to GS-14 | JSC, JPL | |
| Payload Specialist | GS-12 to GS-14 | JSC, MSFC | ISS National Lab |
| Robotics Operator | GS-11 to GS-14 | JSC | Canadarm, future Gateway |
Flight controllers go through a rigorous 2-3 year certification process after hiring. Each controller specializes in a specific system (propulsion, electrical, communications, etc.) and must demonstrate mastery before being certified to work a console during live missions. Flight directors — the people who lead mission control — are selected from experienced flight controllers and represent one of NASA's most elite occupations.
IT and cybersecurity occupations (~8%)
| OPM Series | Title | Grade Range | 2026 Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2210 | IT Specialist | GS-9 to GS-15 | Very high |
| 2210 | Cybersecurity Specialist | GS-12 to GS-15 | Critical |
| 1550 | Computer Scientist | GS-11 to GS-15 | High |
Cybersecurity is one of NASA's fastest-growing occupation categories. As space systems digitize and face increasing cyber threats (particularly from state actors targeting communications and navigation systems), NASA needs specialists who understand both IT security frameworks (NIST 800-53) and space system architectures.
IT and cyber roles often offer the most telework flexibility — up to 40% of these positions allow remote or hybrid work arrangements.
Business and administrative occupations (~10%)
| OPM Series | Title | Grade Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1102 | Contract Specialist | GS-7 to GS-14 | Manages $19B+ in annual awards |
| 0343 | Management Analyst | GS-9 to GS-14 | Budget, planning |
| 1035 | Public Affairs Specialist | GS-9 to GS-14 | Communications, outreach |
| 0905 | Attorney/Advisor | GS-11 to GS-15 | Space law, procurement |
| 0201 | HR Specialist | GS-7 to GS-13 |
These occupations are often overlooked but essential. NASA's contract specialists manage some of the largest procurement operations in the federal government — the agency awards $19B+ annually to contractors. Budget analysts, program analysts, and management analysts support the planning and execution of multi-billion dollar missions.
How to find your occupation
Identify your OPM series: Search the OPM Handbook of Occupational Groups for your field. Each series has specific education and experience requirements.
Search USAJobs by series: Filter for "National Aeronautics and Space Administration" + your series code (e.g., 0861 for aerospace engineering).
Check qualification standards: Each series has minimum education and experience requirements. GS-7 typically requires a bachelor's degree; GS-9 requires a master's or 1 year of specialized experience; higher grades require progressively more specialized experience.
Target the right center: Each NASA center has a different mission focus. Match your occupation to the center's programs.
Most NASA occupations have a defined career ladder — for example, GS-7/9/11/12 for engineers. Within the ladder, promotions are automatic (one grade per year) if performance is satisfactory. Above the ladder (GS-13+), promotions are competitive — you apply for specific positions. Understanding your occupation's career ladder helps you plan realistic salary expectations.
Occupation outlook by center
| Center | Strongest Occupations | Budget Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| JSC (Houston) | Flight ops, crew systems, engineering | Protected (21% cut) |
| MSFC (Huntsville) | Propulsion, systems engineering | Protected (23% cut) |
| KSC (Cape Canaveral) | Launch ops, ground systems | Protected (25% cut) |
| Goddard (Greenbelt) | Science, instruments, satellites | Severe (46% cut) |
| JPL (Pasadena) | Planetary science, robotics | Severe (1,400+ laid off) |
| Glenn (Cleveland) | Propulsion research, power systems | Severe (40% cut) |
| Ames (Mountain View) | Aeronautics research, astrobiology | Significant (35% cut) |
| Langley (Hampton) | Aeronautics, structures | Significant (39% cut) |
Browse 19 active NASA positions, or learn about specific career paths: NASA careers guide, NASA hiring process, NASA salary data, or NASA internships. For the contractor ecosystem, see Boeing (286 jobs), Northrop Grumman (855 jobs), or Lockheed Martin.
