NASA Service Member Fellowships 2026: Opportunities for Transitioning Military

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.

About the NASA Service Member Fellowships Program

This program lets service members work at NASA during their last months of active duty. It runs through two main paths: SkillBridge and Operation Warfighter. Fellows can stay up to 180 days while still on military status.

NASA keeps a pool of applicant profiles. Centers review them and match people to open roles based on skills and needs. No single job postings appear ahead of time.

Current Fellowship Opportunities

NASA lists openings at key sites like Johnson Space Center and Headquarters.

Johnson Space Center Roles

At Johnson Space Center, engineering positions need a master’s degree and strong problem-solving skills. Fellows might work on spaceflight systems, research, or mission operations.

Public affairs roles focus on communications. Tasks include media work, outreach, and content creation. These suit people with experience in journalism or branding.

NASA Headquarters Remote Roles

Headquarters offers remote program management spots. Duties cover coordinating initiatives, planning, and stakeholder work. These provide flexibility for agency-wide tasks.

Key Fields and Career Areas

Fellowships span many areas to match military skills.

Engineering, Science, and Technology

Options include aerospace engineering, systems engineering, and research. Fellows support tech development and innovation.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity

Roles cover network admin, IT support, and cybersecurity operations.

Communications and Public Affairs

Work involves media relations, content, and strategic messaging.

Business and Administration

Positions in HR, program management, finance, and contracts are available.

Other fields like safety, social sciences, and math also appear.

Fellowship Duration and Locations

Fellowships last 90 to 180 days. They happen at NASA centers nationwide, with hybrid or remote setups. Pick sites based on your interests, like human spaceflight at Johnson.

Eligibility Requirements

For SkillBridge

You need to be in your final 180 days of service, available for 90 days minimum, and finish Transition Assistance Program. Get command approval and follow branch rules.

For Operation Warfighter

Enroll in the program, work with a regional coordinator, and get medical and command okay. Follow recovery plans.

Mission needs can end participation early.

How to Apply

SkillBridge Steps

First, check your branch’s rules and talk to your base education center. Research NASA sites. Submit via the NASA application portal.

Operation Warfighter Steps

Contact your coordinator, then apply through NASA’s veterans platform. Centers reach out to matches.

Write all application parts yourself. NASA bans AI tools for narratives and checks for it. Use original work only.

Learn more at NASA’s fellowships page.

Benefits of the Program

Fellows get real NASA experience, mentorship, and networking. It builds resumes with “NASA Fellow” credentials. The work exposes you to federal jobs and helps civilian transitions. No guarantee of NASA hire, but it boosts chances elsewhere.

Application Timeline

No set deadline exists. Apply on a rolling basis, early in your last 180 days. Centers pull from the pool as needs arise. Start now if eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions