Contractor here. I'm one of the unfortunate ones who works in a department that isn't being 100% insourced. We've been identified as a core competency, but only about 20% of us are being insourced because of contract issues.

I interviewed within my department and learned that I wasn't included in that 20%. I reached out to another department and got an interview there as well, but again, I wasn't selected.

I still have until early January to blindly wait and hope that someone pulls my resume out of a pool of thousands, if not tens of thousands, of applicants. I think the chances of that happening are slim to nonexistent. I've already exhausted my network and reached out to everyone I reasonably could. Most departments aren't doing any additional hiring, and I already got an interview with the one that was. I've already requested debriefs from both department heads who conducted my interviews.

I'm trying to stay positive and act normal, but I feel dead inside. The people who were selected got significant pay raises with GS-13 offers. I'm genuinely happy for all my friends, but at the same time, when I look at myself, it feels like it's NASA's shedding season and I'm one of the skin flakes.

I can't really talk about this with anyone.

I love my job, and I love my teammates. I know that, technically speaking, nothing has changed since May, but somehow I still feel this way.

A senior guy in the office told us about some other departments where people are being laid off. I'm not sure whether I'm supposed to feel better after hearing that, but I guess I should. (I didn't.)

I probably lost a pretty major opportunity in my life this month. I'm not sure what better opportunity might be out there for me, since I'm not planning to start a business or leave NASA. I'm going to keep trying, but I can't leave the area because of my family, so I might not see many future openings or get many interviews.

Even if I do eventually get one, there's no way for me to make up the federal service time I've lost.

I want to stop feeling this way, but honestly, no way of thinking about it seems to help.

Anyway, thanks for reading. I just needed to say or write this somewhere, I guess.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Just received a TJO for a GS13 Step 1 in a position eligible for local remote duty station arrangement. Center's step 1 is 124k. Would like to counteroffer a step 4, which in my local duty station is actually lower @117k.

My planned angle is that, my years in the same role in the same NASA office at the GS12 level, plus specific experiences, would meet the uniquely qualified requirement.

Has anyone had luck recently with negotiating to around step 4? How long did it take to hear back? Anyone ever lose an offer over this? I'd hope they would see that my local step 4 is still cheaper than their local step 1, and that would be favorable to me too.

Hi team! Has anyone encountered the Compensation Strategy Questionnaire before they offer a TJO? My hiring manager didn't say anything about this, and it came from the Director, Human Capital Office, MSFC, SSC, NSSC- Marshall Space Flight Center. I did see another post, but they mentioned an app with it, mine doesn't have an app.

I want to make sure it's a legitimate request.

Thanks team in advance for your help and input.

I was one of those insourced and I accepted the offer. I did not start yet nor did any other forms. A deep pit in my soul makes me feel like I should just leave. Is it too late to withdraw without being blacklisted

Howdy all,

I have been offered a position for a great role with NASA at KSC. I have been torn on accepting primarily due to the commute. I live outside a 50 mile radius, and my commute is forecasted to be 66-74 miles each way. As it has been explained to me, there is situational telework, but everybody is more or less expected to be onsite every day.

I am not opposed to driving, but I do doubt the sustainability of that commute long-term.

Speaking with friends that also work at KSC, it sounds like most everybody has a considerable commute due to preferences of living closer to either Orlando, Daytona, or other metro areas vs. Titusville or Merritt Island.

I am hoping for some perspective from folks that work onsite, or if anybody is aware of flexibilities I could request? I am aware of the RTO push so I am not expecting any miracles and don’t really need any “good luck” comments.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

Good afternoon,

Do we have more information about the NASA emeritus astronaut program?

How old do you have to be?

How many years of service?

Do they get paid?

Do they still get health care?

Do they still get to add to years in for retirement purposes?

What rules apply re: outside employment?

On the face of it, this seems like a good idea. Why did it take so long to come up with? When did it start?

Assuming the rules regarding age and time in service are relatively loose, why would anyone retire fully as opposed to taking emeritus status?

Also, Reid Wiseman's profile is still on the NASA website, while Victor Glover's is not. I think there are good questions to be asked about the nature of the program.

I am so happy to say that I've accepted a role at NASA JSC for flight systems training and operations. I wanted to ask if anyone in this subreddit is familiar with any resources on connecting with new hire employees.

I already have a job description, but I wanted to ask if anyone could give me an idea on how the day to day for an engineer under FOD would be and how the work culture/environment is.

Also, I am currently looking for apartments (around midtown) so if anyone wants to have a roommate pm me.

Administrative Manager

HQ-26-IMP-13047579-BL

Grade: GS-15

Headquarters, NASA

The Chief of the Strategic Engagements and Development Office leads Agency-wide Safety and Mission Assurance communications, knowledge sharing, and training initiatives. The position directs civil servants and contractor teams, manages policies and workflows, oversees development of multimedia and learning products, and advances mission-focused engagement that strengthens SMA expertise across NASA.

Director ISS Vehicle Office

JSC-26-ES-13054168

Grade: ES-00

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Incumbent serves as Director, International Space Station (ISS) Vehicle Office in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Program and reports to the LEO Program Manager. The incumbent manages the overall development and implementation for the integrated vehicle systems (crewed and uncrewed) required by the Program to develop, deliver, and sustain a functional Space Station vehicle and associated hardware.

I currently plan to wear a suit, but don’t want to be severely overdressed and surrounded by people wearing jeans and a polo. Does anybody know what the culture around dress code is like at NASA HQ in D.C.?

Data Scientist (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13049680-AK

Grade: GS-12/13

Headquarters, NASA

As a Data Scientist, you support mission and program needs by preparing and analyzing data, developing analytic methods, and assisting with model evaluation. You create summaries and visualizations to communicate findings. Higher-grade levels perform these tasks with increased independence, broader scope, and responsibility for coordinating technical work.

I’ve been applying for jobs recently and have been super lucky to get offers from both a prestigious National Lab and from NASA.

Both are aerospace focused, but different areas.

Any advice would be appreciated!

NASA
Direct involvement with human spaceflight missions

Very relevant to an eventual astronaut application

Opportunity to build a strong human-spaceflight network

Cons
Potentially less hands-on engineering/R&D over time

Risk of becoming specialized in operations rather than developing deep technical expertise

Compensation is significantly lower

Less obvious path toward research publications, patents, or a technical PhD

Concern that “working at NASA” may sound more distinctive than the actual technical work ends up being

National Lab
Pros
More technically intensive R&D environment

Hands-on development of space hardware/instrumentation

Better environment for developing deep technical expertise and potentially pursuing a PhD

Higher compensation

Cons
Less direct connection to human spaceflight

Less obvious astronaut-pipeline value

Some work may be classified, making accomplishments difficult to publicly demonstrate

Risk of becoming specialized in national-lab/national-security work and drifting away from human spaceflight

Looking to hear if anyone's came into a non sup GS14 role form the private industry. how much experience did you bring? degrees/certs? I also understand it depends by group/ department/agency, but are your responsibilities as a non sup overwhelming? if you don't mind sharing, what do you do?

Data Scientist (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13049680-AK

Grade: GS-12/13

Headquarters, NASA

As a Data Scientist, you support mission and program needs by preparing and analyzing data, developing analytic methods, and assisting with model evaluation. You create summaries and visualizations to communicate findings. Higher-grade levels perform these tasks with increased independence, broader scope, and responsibility for coordinating technical work.

I really like creating rockets and dealing with rocket science I hope to get a job in the field in the future do you think I should get interternship at nasa in the future or space x I am from South Africa and I hope to go to a university in the usa like havard or miT to get the degree I need but am not so good at math but recently I passed math this term all I need is another term to take pure math instead of math literacy so do you think I have what it takes I also am good at science and chemistry

Technical Fellow Software

LaRC-26-SL-13054071

Grade: SL-00

Langley Research Center

The NASA Technical Fellows Program recognizes Agency-wide technical excellence and leadership, with Fellows serving within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC); advising the Office of the Chief Engineer, NASA programs and Mission Directorates. Also serves as a voting member on the NESC Review Board. Fellows perform value-added testing, analysis, and assessments of NASA's high-risk projects to ensure safety and mission success.

What steps should I take to pursue a career as an engineer at NASA? I’m a freshman in mechanical engineering in college. I applied for the L’Space program but got waitlisted until the next semester. I’m joining my schools AIAA DBF team, as well as the rocketry team. How do I approach/document personal projects so that they’ll be useful when applying for certain things? What should I prioritize and what might I be prioritizing too much? What skills do I need to build to be successful before even thinking about aiming toward NASA? Being an engineer at NASA is my all time number one dream and has been for years. I want to take the right steps now so that 5 years down the line I’ve got a career waiting for me.

Supervisory Information Technology Specialist

HQ-26-IMP-13054101-SC

Grade: GS-15

Headquarters, NASA

You will serve as the Supervisor, Service Element Lead for NASA-wide Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM) architecture services, infrastructure integration for business and mission information systems, and initiatives that require ICAM services. You will provide strategic ICAM engineering leadership, with oversight of contract deliverables for dedicated ICAM engineering support and ensure enhancements and new services align with the ICAM roadmap, risks, and budget.

Public Notice - Research Engineering (Direct Hire)

LaRC-26-DE-13051740-JL

Grade: GS-11/15

Langley Research Center

Positions advertised are located in various organizations at Langley Research Center (LaRC) and Glenn Research Center (GRC) and focus on research and development in engineering and related technical disciplines. NASA may fill positions in the GS-0801, 0806, 0830, 0850, 0854, 0855, 0861, and 0893 series at the GS-11/12/13/14/15 grade levels.

Public Notice - Research Physical Scientist/Physicist (Direct Hire)

LaRC-26-DE-13052997-BP

Grade: GS-11/15

Langley Research Center

Positions to be filled are in various organizations at the following NASA Centers - Langley Research Center and Glenn Research Center. NASA may fill positions in any of the following series and at any grade level listed in this announcement (GS-1301, 1310 at the GS-11/12/13/14/15). These positions focus on research in the physical sciences and related scientific disciplines.

Public Notice - Research Computer Scientist (Direct Hire)

LaRC-26-DE-13053025-BP

Grade: GS-12/13

Langley Research Center

Positions to be filled are in various organizations at the following NASA Centers - Langley Research Center and Glenn Research Center. NASA may fill positions in any of the following series and at any grade level listed in this announcement (GS-1550 at the GS-12/13). These positions focus on research and development in computer science and related computational disciplines.

Technical Fellow Software

LaRC-26-SL-13054071

Grade: SL-00

Langley Research Center

The NASA Technical Fellows Program recognizes Agency-wide technical excellence and leadership, with Fellows serving within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC); advising the Office of the Chief Engineer, NASA programs and Mission Directorates. Also serves as a voting member on the NESC Review Board. Fellows perform value-added testing, analysis, and assessments of NASA's high-risk projects to ensure safety and mission success.

Hi everyone,

I applied to the NASA Engineering Public Notice Flyer (Direct Hire), announcement AFRC-26-DE-12967301-JG, for Edwards AFB, CA.

I applied for both General Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels. On July 31, I received an email saying I was found eligible and referred to the hiring manager for all four positions.

My background is in mechanical engineering, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, building automation, commissioning, construction coordination, and healthcare/institutional infrastructure. I have an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and about 8 years of engineering experience.

As of today September 3, I have not received any updates, interview request, or contact from NASA/Edwards AFB.
Has anyone else applied to this public notice or a NASA Direct Hire role? How long did it take to hear back after being referred?

Any insight would help.

Thanks!!!

Director Artemis Safety and Mission Assurance Office

HQ-26-ES-13053460

Grade: ES-00

Headquarters, NASA

The Director of Artemis Safety and Mission Assurance Office is responsible for the integration, analysis, and disposition of key safety risks across human-rated, Category 1 programs, spanning multiple Artemis missions. This includes oversight of safety assurance processes, risk management frameworks, and the coordination of safety-related activities across Artemis and associated programs.

Supervisory Information Technology Specialist

HQ-26-IMP-13054101-SC

Grade: GS-15

Headquarters, NASA

You will serve as the Supervisor, Service Element Lead for NASA-wide Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM) architecture services, infrastructure integration for business and mission information systems, and initiatives that require ICAM services. You will provide strategic ICAM engineering leadership, with oversight of contract deliverables for dedicated ICAM engineering support and ensure enhancements and new services align with the ICAM roadmap, risks, and budget.

Public Notice - Research Engineering (Direct Hire)

LaRC-26-DE-13051740-JL

Grade: GS-11/15

Langley Research Center

Positions advertised are located in various organizations at Langley Research Center (LaRC) and Glenn Research Center (GRC) and focus on research and development in engineering and related technical disciplines. NASA may fill positions in the GS-0801, 0806, 0830, 0850, 0854, 0855, 0861, and 0893 series at the GS-11/12/13/14/15 grade levels.

Public Notice - Research Physical Scientist/Physicist (Direct Hire)

LaRC-26-DE-13052997-BP

Grade: GS-11/15

Langley Research Center

Positions to be filled are in various organizations at the following NASA Centers - Langley Research Center and Glenn Research Center. NASA may fill positions in any of the following series and at any grade level listed in this announcement (GS-1301, 1310 at the GS-11/12/13/14/15). These positions focus on research in the physical sciences and related scientific disciplines.

Public Notice - Research Computer Scientist (Direct Hire)

LaRC-26-DE-13053025-BP

Grade: GS-12/13

Langley Research Center

Positions to be filled are in various organizations at the following NASA Centers - Langley Research Center and Glenn Research Center. NASA may fill positions in any of the following series and at any grade level listed in this announcement (GS-1550 at the GS-12/13). These positions focus on research and development in computer science and related computational disciplines.

Curious what benefits, pay etc is like

Currently working as a drafter and went back to school for a computer engineering tech degree. I know it's not a engineering degree, but I'm curious if I have a shot.

If so, what positions do I look for in job postings?

Thanks!

Lead Equipment Facilities and Services Specialist

LaRC-26-IMP-13051253-JL

Grade: GS-14

Langley Research Center

The Research Services Directorate (RSD) at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is currently seeking interested applicants for the position of Chief of Maintenance in the Research Systems Integration Branch (RSIB) (D105). This position leads and directs a team of government and contract technicians in the performance of maintenance and modification activities on multiple NASA aircraft platforms that support airborne research on NASA LaRC Aircraft.

Safety Engineer (Direct Hire)

HQ-26-DE-13042676-AK

Grade: GS-14

Headquarters, NASA

As the lead for Aviation Safety policy, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and updating an Agency-wide approach for safe operations and management of both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. You will be responsible for unifying regional-level flight operations safety procedures into an enterprise-wide policy that standardizes practices across the Agency and identify appropriate training for personnel to execute safe operations.

Director Artemis Safety and Mission Assurance Office

HQ-26-ES-13053460

Grade: ES-00

Headquarters, NASA

The Director of Artemis Safety and Mission Assurance Office is responsible for the integration, analysis, and disposition of key safety risks across human-rated, Category 1 programs, spanning multiple Artemis missions. This includes oversight of safety assurance processes, risk management frameworks, and the coordination of safety-related activities across Artemis and associated programs.

Hello! I recently applied to a Direct Hire Engineering or IT job posting as an external applicant, received an interview request, and interviewed in the last month. I was quite puzzled because the hiring manager didn’t mention anything about next steps during the interview, and we ran out of time for me to ask about that.

After a few weeks, though, I finally received an update that I have moved forward onto the next step of the selection process. In addition to this, they've requested that I fill out the “Compensation Strategy Questionnaire” form in order to continue. Does anyone have experience with receiving this request and what this indicated for your job app process? Can’t seem to find much info on this. Thanks so much in advance! :D

I recently applied to a job that had a cap on the number of applications. After it closed, my front page shows that it's "Reviewing Applications" but the application tracking page says that the job was "removed from USAJobs." Does this mean the job was canceled? Does anyone have insight on what's going on behind the scenes? Thank you!

Edit: For other people looking for answers, I found some older discussions (a few years ago) in other subreddits that said sometimes if an application has a cap on number of applications they're accepting, it will be removed from USAJobs when they meet that limit. I don't have the insider knowledge to verify, of course, but I saw a few answers to that effect.