Engineering • Science • Computer Science • Business/Comms • Law/Policy • Education Outreach — what to expect, how to apply, and how to stand out
United States • Aerospace/Research • ~10–12 weeks (varies by center and program)
This is your complete playbook for a competitive NASA internship. You’ll learn the core tracks, a realistic timeline, how to craft essays and resumes that resonate with mentors, and what projects help you stand out. Program specifics change year to year and by center—always verify details on the official internship page.
Quick snapshot (what strong candidates show)
Your application proves…
- Hands-on projects (labs, code, designs) with measurable outcomes.
- Research mindset: hypotheses, method, results, and next steps.
- Teamwork & communication—clear documentation and collaboration.
What you’ll gain
- Mentored projects tied to real missions and center initiatives.
- Professional tools: code repos, lab notebooks, reviews, and demos.
- Portfolio assets: posters, prototypes, analyses (as permitted).
Important: Eligibility, pay and locations vary by center and program. Verify specifics on the official NASA internship site.
Tracks & responsibilities (typical)
Engineering
Aero/Mech EE Robotics Thermal
CAD, FEA, test rigs, sensor integration, simulations, and design reviews.
Science
Planetary Earth Astro Life Sci
Data analysis, instrument calibration, lab procedures, literature reviews, and posters.
Computer Science
Software Data ML Sim
Build tools, pipelines, models, UI prototypes; write tests; document results.
Business & Comms
Ops Finance Comms Outreach
Dashboards, budget support, stakeholder materials, blog posts, and event coordination.
Law & Policy
Policy Compliance IP
Policy research, contract analysis, compliance briefs and documentation.
Education Outreach
Curriculum Workshops Community
Program materials, teacher resources, events and STEM engagement support.
Pay & expectations (typical ranges)
| Track | Duration | Typical Pay (hourly) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering/CS | 10–12 weeks | $20–$34+ | Defined project, code/design reviews, mid-point and final demos. |
| Science | 10–12 weeks | $20–$32+ | Lab/analysis workflows, documentation, posters and presentations. |
| Business/Comms | 10–12 weeks | $18–$28+ | Dashboards, briefs, outreach content and stakeholder support. |
| Law/Policy | 10–12 weeks | $20–$30+ | Policy research, compliance & IP exposure, writing assignments. |
Indicative ranges only. Confirm exact compensation and eligibility on the official posting.
Timeline (2025→2026 cycle)
| Month | Focus | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Aug–Sep 2025 | Prep & shortlist | Update resume/portfolio; shortlist centers/projects; contact mentors/alumni for insights. |
| Sep–Dec 2025 | Applications | Submit tailored applications weekly; line up references; complete essays early. |
| Jan–Mar 2026 | Interviews | Behavioral + technical/project chats; review mission docs; prep STAR stories. |
| Apr 2026 | Offers | Clarify center, project scope, mentor, location, hybrid/remote expectations and pay paperwork. |
| May–Jun 2026 | Onboarding | Training, access, safety/compliance modules; tools setup; pre-reading. |
| Jun–Aug 2026 | Internship | Weekly goals, mid-point review, final demo package, written handover and feedback. |
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Choose two tracks (e.g., Engineering + CS). Depth beats scattergun.
- Results-first resume: 6–8 bullets ending with outcomes (performance, robustness, accuracy, time saved).
- Portfolio: 3–5 artifacts (repo, poster, demo). Include a 60-sec video or GIF.
- Essay bank: 3 short essays—mission motivation, project highlight, teamwork/ethics story.
- Lead list: 20–30 roles; track stages, contacts and deadlines in one sheet.
- Warm intros: message alumni/mentors with a short ask and one highlight link.
- Interview practice: schedule two 45-min sessions per week (behavioral + technical).
- Offer choice: pick scope + mentor + growth over center brand alone.
Essays that land interviews
Structure (100–250 words each)
- Hook: a moment or question that sparked your interest.
- Evidence: one project/result that proves skills.
- Fit: how your skills match a center/team activity.
- Impact: what you aim to deliver and learn.
Voice & focus
- Be specific: tools, data sizes, constraints, test results.
- Be honest about limits; show how you learn fast.
- Close with a forward-looking sentence tied to the mission.
Resume & portfolio (templates)
Impact bullet formula
Action → tool → outcome (+metric). Example: Built a thermal simulation in MATLAB that reduced analysis time by 38% across three test cases.
- Lead with the verb, end with the metric.
- Group by outcome (performance, reliability, usability, cost/time).
- Link evidence (repo, poster, demo, dataset note).
Portfolio checklist
- One pinned project per target track (simulation, embedded system, data model, outreach kit).
- Readable README with context → method → results → demo.
- Clear repo structure; tests/validation where relevant.
Interview prep
Behavioral
- Six STAR stories: ownership, teamwork, conflict, learning fast, resilience, ethics.
- 60–90 sec answers; end with impact and what you’d change next time.
- Bring a one-page leave-behind with links to your best work.
Technical
- Engineering/CS: small-feature design, tests, debugging, basic controls/DS&A.
- Science: experimental design, uncertainty, data hygiene, visualization.
- Business/Comms: stakeholder analysis, dashboards, writing clarity.
Hybrid/remote tips
- Daily status note (yesterday → today → blockers) with links to WIP.
- Mid-week sync + Friday demo; use screenshots and short videos.
- Keep a decision log (one page) for assumptions, designs and approvals.
International pathways
Some programs require U.S. citizenship; others may accept different statuses or host students via partner institutions. Always consult the official program page, your international office, and the program’s HR contact before applying.
FAQs
How many roles should I apply to?
Plan for 20–30 targeted submissions over 8–10 weeks, with weekly networking and practice. Quality beats volume.
Do I need prior aerospace experience?
No—but you must show proof of craft (projects, labs, code, analysis) and a habit of documenting results.
Can I publish work from the internship?
Only with written permission and in compliance with program policies. Keep copies of publicly released work and obtain approval before posting.
• Program details change by center and year. Always verify the latest information on the official NASA internship site.