NASA Service Member Fellowships 2026 offer transitioning U.S. military personnel a chance to work on real space missions. These fellowships partner with the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program and the Defense Health Agency Operation Warfighter Program. Active-duty service members can gain hands-on experience at NASA centers across the country, including remote and hybrid options.
Service members from fields like engineering, cybersecurity, public affairs, human resources, science, technology, administration, or program management can apply. The program matches candidates to NASA projects in human spaceflight, scientific research, technology development, communications, and more. It helps build civilian career skills while still on active duty.
About the NASA Service Member Fellowships Program
This program lets active-duty military members work at NASA during their last months of service. It runs through two main paths: the SkillBridge Fellowship Program and the Operation Warfighter Fellowship Program. Fellows can stay up to 180 days, with a minimum of 90 days.
NASA keeps a pool of applicant profiles. Centers review them and pick matches based on needs and skills. No single job postings appear ahead of time.
Current Opportunities by Location
NASA offers roles at places like Johnson Space Center and Headquarters.
Johnson Space Center Roles
Engineering positions need a master’s degree, professional experience, and strong problem-solving skills. Fellows might work on spaceflight systems, research, aerospace tech, mission operations, or new ideas.
Public affairs roles fit people with skills in communications, journalism, media, branding, or outreach. Tasks include NASA campaigns, programs for the public, media work, digital stories, and messaging.
NASA Headquarters Remote Roles
These focus on program management. Duties cover running the fellowships, agency projects, operations, planning, reports, and talks with other centers. Remote work adds flexibility.
Key Fields and Career Areas
Fellowships span many areas.
In engineering, science, and technology, options include aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, physical sciences, and research.
Information technology and cybersecurity cover operations, networks, infrastructure, software, and systems.
Communications and public affairs involve media relations, public talks, content, branding, outreach, and strategy.
Business and administration include human resources, program management, finance, procurement, contracts, budgeting, and accounting.
Other fields are safety, social sciences, math, statistics, and operations analysis.
Why Join This Fellowship
Moving from military to civilian jobs can be tough. This program gives real NASA experience, federal work culture, networks, career help, a strong resume boost, mission projects, and mentorship. It does not promise a NASA job later, but it helps with federal or private work.
Fellowship Duration and Locations
Fellows serve 90 to 180 days on active duty. Spots are at NASA centers nationwide, with hybrid or full remote in some cases. Check centers that match your interests.
Who Can Apply
SkillBridge Requirements
You need to be in your last 180 days of service, free for 90 days minimum, done with Transition Assistance Program, approved by command, and follow branch rules. Mission needs can end it early.
Operation Warfighter Requirements
You must be in the DHA program, linked to a regional coordinator, approved by medical and command, follow recovery plans, and know it can end if needed.
How to Apply
For SkillBridge
Get military approval first: check branch policies, talk to your base education center. Research NASA centers and missions. Submit via the NASA platform.
For Operation Warfighter
Contact your OWF coordinator to confirm fit. Apply through NASA’s Veterans platform. Centers review and reach out.
NASA bans AI tools for application writing. Use your own words, or risk disqualification.
Benefits for Participants
Fellows get NASA work history, big projects, mentorship, transition aid, federal prep, networks, resume strength, and mission focus.
Application Timeline
No set deadline. Apply rolling, early in your last 180 days. Profiles stay in the pool for center reviews.
For details, visit the NASA Service Member Fellowships page. Apply at the official portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the NASA Service Member Fellowships?
Active-duty U.S. military members in their last 180 days of service through SkillBridge or Operation Warfighter programs can apply if they meet branch rules and get command approval.
What is the duration of these fellowships?
Fellowships last from 90 to 180 days while still on active duty, though mission needs may end them early.
What fields can fellows work in at NASA?
Fields include engineering, cybersecurity, public affairs, human resources, science, technology, program management, and more across NASA centers.
How do I apply for a fellowship?
Get military approval first, then submit your profile through the NASA SkillBridge or Veterans platform; centers review profiles on a rolling basis.
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