🔴 Status: OPEN | Direct Hire Authority | Source: USAJOBS.gov
NASA Aerospace Engineer Jobs 2026 — Marshall Space Flight Center | Apply Now
NASA is hiring Aerospace Engineers (AST — Aerospace Flight Systems) under Direct Hire Authority for 2026 at Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama — one of NASA’s premier engineering and research installations. Positions are available at GS-12, GS-13, and GS-14 grade levels, with salaries ranging from $89,054 to $161,091 per year.
This is one of the most coveted engineering careers in the entire US federal government. As a NASA Aerospace Engineer, you will contribute directly to America’s space exploration missions — including the Space Launch System (SLS), Artemis program, spacecraft propulsion, and next-generation flight systems. Under Direct Hire Authority, qualified candidates can be selected faster than through standard competitive hiring — making this an urgent opportunity to launch your federal engineering career.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Aerospace Engineer, AST, Aerospace Flight Systems |
| Agency | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
| Installation | Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) |
| Job Control Number | 867819500 |
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama (Marshall Space Flight Center) |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GS-12 / GS-13 / GS-14 |
| Salary Range | $89,054 – $161,091 per year |
| Hiring Authority | Direct Hire Authority — faster selection process |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens Only |
| Job Series | AST — Aerospace Technology (NASA-specific classification) |
| Security Clearance | Background Investigation Required; some roles require Secret |
| Travel Required | Occasional — domestic and international |
| Telework Eligible | Limited — position is primarily on-site |
| Relocation Expenses | May be authorized for highly qualified candidates |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As an Aerospace Engineer (AST) at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, you will provide technical and program leadership across space and flight systems — including launch vehicles, spacecraft, propulsion systems, payloads, and integrated hardware/software. You will support the full engineering lifecycle from design and development through testing, certification, and mission operations.
Marshall Space Flight Center is NASA’s lead center for space transportation and propulsion technology, and home to the Space Launch System (SLS) — the most powerful rocket ever built. Engineers at MSFC work on programs that define the future of human space exploration, including the Artemis missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. This is not just a federal job — it is a mission.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide technical and program leadership across aerospace flight systems including vehicles, propulsion, payloads, and integrated hardware/software
- Analyze and evaluate aerospace vehicles, environments, structures, and components across all phases of design, production, operation, certification, and maintenance
- Design and integrate aerospace hardware and software systems for space flight applications
- Conduct testing, validation, and certification of flight hardware and systems — including hot fire testing, structural testing, and environmental testing
- Plan, research, design, develop, and evaluate aerospace systems and projects from concept through mission operations
- Assess system performance and integration needs across multi-contractor, multi-organization teams
- Support risk assessments, failure analyses, and anomaly resolution for flight and ground systems
- Develop technical requirements, interface control documents, and engineering specifications
- Collaborate with government and commercial partners (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Aerojet, SpaceX, etc.) in support of NASA’s Artemis and science missions
- Present technical findings, engineering analyses, and program status to senior NASA leadership and external stakeholders
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s Degree — mandatory |
| Required Fields | Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related engineering discipline |
| Advanced Degree | Master’s Degree preferred for GS-13; PhD preferred or advantageous for GS-14 |
| Accreditation | Degree must be from an ABET-accredited engineering program or equivalent |
⚠️ NASA uses OPM-approved qualification standards specific to AST (Aerospace Technology) positions, which are unique to NASA. A qualifying engineering degree is a mandatory basic requirement — experience alone cannot substitute.
Specialized Experience by Grade
| Grade | Salary Range | Required Specialized Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GS-12 | $89,054 – $115,769/yr | 1 year at GS-11: assisting with technical evaluations of aerospace engineering hardware or processes; supporting design or testing of aerospace systems; working in a team on aerospace integration tasks |
| GS-13 | $105,896 – $137,669/yr | 1 year at GS-12: independently leading technical engineering evaluations on launch vehicle and/or spacecraft hardware; performing design, analysis, or test of flight systems or ground support hardware |
| GS-14 | $125,133 – $161,091/yr | 1 year at GS-13: performing program/project technical management for space or aeronautical systems; developing requirements and integrating complex aerospace systems; leading multi-contractor teams on mission-critical programs |
Other Requirements
- US Citizenship: Required — no exceptions
- Security Clearance: Background investigation required; some positions may require Secret or higher
- Direct Hire Note: Under Direct Hire Authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans’ preference procedures do not apply — all qualified applicants evaluated equally
- Physical Requirements: Must be able to work in laboratory, test facility, and field environments; occasional travel to launch sites and test facilities
- Drug Test: Required pre-employment
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $89,054 – $161,091/yr (GS-12 to GS-14, Huntsville locality) |
| Locality Pay | Huntsville, AL locality pay adjustment included |
| Relocation | May be authorized for highly qualified candidates |
| Health Insurance | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) |
| Dental & Vision | Federal Employees Dental & Vision (FEDVIP) |
| Retirement | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
| TSP (401k equivalent) | Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency matching |
| Paid Leave | 13–26 days vacation + 13 days sick leave per year |
| Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Life Insurance | Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
| Mission Access | Direct involvement with SLS, Artemis, and future space exploration programs |
| Facilities Access | World-class test stands, labs, and engineering facilities at MSFC |
| Professional Development | NASA-funded training, conferences, and advanced education programs |
| Career Progression | Clear path to GS-15 and Senior Executive Service (SES) |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create a free account on USAJOBS.gov
Step 2 — Build your federal resume (4–6 pages — include all engineering duties, projects, technical skills, publications, degrees, and dates. Highlight any aerospace, propulsion, systems integration, or flight systems experience prominently)
Step 3 — Prepare college transcripts (unofficial copies accepted — degree verification is required for all engineering positions at NASA)
Step 4 — Search for Control Number 867819500 or apply directly: www.usajobs.gov/job/867819500
Step 5 — Complete the NASA online questionnaire and submit all required documents: federal resume, college transcripts, and any applicable SF-50 or DD-214
Step 6 — If selected, complete background investigation, pre-employment screening, and any required security clearance processing
⚠️ Important: This is a Direct Hire position — NASA can select and onboard qualified engineers quickly. Do not delay. For questions, contact NASA Staffing: NSSC-STAFFING@MAIL.NASA.GOV. All applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov.
Veterans’ Preference
⚠️ Note: Because this position is filled under Direct Hire Authority, veterans’ preference procedures do not apply. However, NASA actively values candidates with military engineering experience (USAF, Army Corps of Engineers, Navy nuclear, etc.) and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Your technical expertise and mission-focused background are highly competitive at NASA.
About NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), located in Huntsville, Alabama, is NASA’s primary center for space transportation and propulsion technology. Marshall is the birthplace of the Saturn V rocket that sent humans to the Moon, and today leads development of the Space Launch System (SLS) — the world’s most powerful operational rocket — as well as propulsion systems, spacecraft hardware, and science payloads for the Artemis program. Marshall employs approximately 6,000 civil servants and contractors, making it one of the largest high-technology employers in the American Southeast. A career at Marshall places you at the center of humanity’s return to the Moon and the first crewed mission to Mars.
Disclaimer
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at www.usajobs.gov/job/867819500. We are not affiliated with NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, or any US government agency.
Sources:
- Aerospace Engineer, AST, Aerospace Flight Systems – USAJOBS #867819500
- Careers in Engineering – NASA
- NASA GS Pay Scale 2026 – ZeroG Talent
- How Much Does an Aerospace Engineer Make at NASA in 2026 – ZeroG Talent
Other Federal Jobs: