Aerospace Engineering Student Trainee

Summary

This position is part of NASA's Pathways Intern Employment Program (IEP), offering students a unique opportunity to explore NASA careers and gain valuable developmental work experience. This program is designed to provide hands-on experience in areas critical to NASA's missions.

To learn more about NASA's Pathways Program, click here: NASA Pathways Internship Program

Please ensure you read the entire announcement thoroughly before submitting your application.

Duties

This vacancy specifically targets students pursuing majors in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or Astronautical Engineering. As an Aerospace Engineering Student Trainee, you will work under the expert guidance of senior engineers and scientists. Your primary responsibilities will include supporting NASA mission operations through groundbreaking design, development, test and evaluation, and/or research work on aerospace technologies. These assignments will be directly aligned with your academic studies and interests, providing a practical application of your theoretical knowledge.

Specific duties will vary depending on your assigned occupational specialty, gradually preparing you for more complex professional tasks after graduation. Disciplines you may engage with include, but are not limited to: Fluid and Flight Mechanics, Materials and Structures, Propulsion and Power, Flight Systems, Data Systems and Analysis, and Operations.

Requirements

This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. At the time of application, you must be a degree or certificate-seeking student, enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited educational institution on at least a half-time basis, as defined by your institution. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.9 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) is required at the time of application.

The expected start dates are either June 1, 2026, or August 24, 2026. You must commit to working a minimum of 480 hours between your start date and the completion of your academic program. For those starting June 1, 2026, your graduation date must be on or after August 22, 2026. For those starting August 24, 2026, your graduation date must be on or after November 14, 2026.

If selected, you will be required to sign a Pathways Participant Agreement, outlining the conditions of employment. A pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance will be conducted, with the level determined by the duties and specific NASA Center requirements. Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or Risk Designation may also be required based on the duty location and NASA Center. The advertised salary range reflects the lowest and highest possible salaries across duty locations; your actual salary will depend on your assigned NASA Center. Rotational assignments are at management's discretion. After applying via USAJOBS, you may receive an email invitation to complete additional USA Hire assessments online. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for important details. You must be at least 16 years old at the time of your start date. This position may involve a two-year trial period, as determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. You may apply for a maximum of one duty location. All Pathways interns are expected to report onsite. You must maintain your enrollment and a GPA of at least 2.9 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) throughout your internship.

Qualifications

Starting GS grade levels are determined by your completed education level:

• For GS-4: Completion of at least 30 semester or 45 quarter credit hours in a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree program.
• For GS-5: Completion of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours in a certificate or bachelor's degree program.
• For GS-6: Completion of 90 or more semester or 135 or more quarter credit hours in a certificate or bachelor's degree program.
• For GS-7: Accepted into a master's or juris doctor program, OR in the first year of such a program.
• For GS-9: Completion of 1 academic year of a master's or juris doctor program, OR accepted into a doctorate program, OR in the first year of a doctorate program. (An academic year is defined by the school as full-time study.)

Your responses to the initial application questionnaire will determine your grade consideration, and you will only be considered for the grade matching your claimed academic level. Supporting documentation for your eligibility answers is mandatory. For dual degree programs, show credit hour application to each degree. NASA strictly prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tools for drafting application and assessment responses. Please review NASA's AI guidance at https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence.

Education

To qualify for this Aerospace Engineering Student Trainee position, you must be currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree with a major in one of the following fields:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Astronautical Engineering

Degrees in engineering technology are not considered qualifying. For engineering programs within the United States, your degree must be from a college or university with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum. Degrees must be received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original accreditation date. Verify program accreditation on the ABET website. For international engineering programs, they must be recognized by an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). Visit https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/ for a list of signatories.

You must submit a copy of your most recent college transcript, including school name, student name, degree program, major, GPA, courses, titles, and credit hours. Unofficial transcripts are accepted initially, but official transcripts will be required if you are selected. If accepted for enrollment but not yet started coursework, provide an Acceptance Letter and your most recent academic transcript from your previous program.

Additional Information

Please exercise extreme care when preparing and submitting your application. Errors in questionnaire responses regarding eligibility cannot be modified post-submission and may lead to loss of consideration. Interns may be promoted to higher grades based on education and performance, though promotions are not guaranteed. Special rate tables may apply for graduate students.

You may be required to serve a two-year trial period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment aligns with public interest. This determination will follow Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. Considerations for public interest include performance, conduct, agency needs, and efficiency of Federal service. Employment will be terminated after the trial period unless continued employment is certified in writing as advancing public interest.

Conversion Eligibility: Interns may be considered for conversion to a Term or Permanent appointment within 180 days of degree completion, provided they:

• Successfully complete an academic course of study with a GPA of at least 2.9 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Complete a minimum of 480 hours of work experience before degree completion.
• Meet qualification requirements for the converted position, including any required coursework.
• Maintain acceptable performance.

Eligibility for conversion does not guarantee an offer for a Term or Permanent job. The full performance level (FPL) for conversion is GS-13. Additional selections may be made as identical vacancies arise. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests for USA Hire Competency Based Assessments are handled on a case-by-case basis. Review guidance on procedures for requesting RA. This position is not part of a bargaining unit (per Executive Order 14343). Candidates should be committed to improving government efficiency, upholding American ideals, and supporting the Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government offers a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family can access a range of benefits designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on your position type (full-time, part-time, intermittent). Contact the hiring agency for specific benefit details.

Key skills/competency

• Aerospace Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Astronautical Engineering
• Fluid Mechanics
• Flight Mechanics
• Materials and Structures
• Propulsion Systems
• Data Systems and Analysis
• Mission Operations
• Research & Development