4 answers
Ryan
Student
El Monte, California
7
Questions
Asked
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How do i get in to NASA as a software Developer?
I want to be a NASA Software Developer but i dont know exactly what i should do to have a high chance to get in
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4 answers
Lindsay Deveny-Klemm
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Hi Ryan,
I would suggest to work on your software developer skills and math skills. I cannot speak to working at NASA (although that would be amazing!), but I would suggest learning what type of language NASA uses for their applications/software - then hone in your skills through constant practice and learning.
I would suggest to work on your software developer skills and math skills. I cannot speak to working at NASA (although that would be amazing!), but I would suggest learning what type of language NASA uses for their applications/software - then hone in your skills through constant practice and learning.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Ryan
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
454
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Whether it is NASA or any company - know what they do and what specific knowledge they are seeking.
Is the job requires Computer Engineering or Computer Science- there is a big difference in these two majors.
Take challenging courses in your major and have high GPA - the employers will come to you vs you going to them.
Is the job requires Computer Engineering or Computer Science- there is a big difference in these two majors.
Take challenging courses in your major and have high GPA - the employers will come to you vs you going to them.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Ryan
Matt Whisler
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Castle Rock, Colorado
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hey Ryan,
Aside from studying Computer Science concepts to have the foundation to grow as a software engineer, I would recommend...
1. Apply for their internships. This is one of the best ways to get into companies.
2. Be able to obtain security clearance(s). Jobs with government agencies and government contractors will require ability to obtain clearances. Stay out of trouble, be a good person, make good decisions.
3. Apply for related positions / internships outside of NASA. If the space missions of NASA interest you, there are many other government contractors (i.e Lockheed Martin, Space X) that have entire departments dedicated towards space. Getting experience with those companies to then make yourself more marketable for NASA might be another angle to get in.
4. Visit Space Camps, Career Fairs, Summer programs where NASA is present and network.
5. Show and demonstrate interests that align with their mission and values.
Aside from studying Computer Science concepts to have the foundation to grow as a software engineer, I would recommend...
1. Apply for their internships. This is one of the best ways to get into companies.
2. Be able to obtain security clearance(s). Jobs with government agencies and government contractors will require ability to obtain clearances. Stay out of trouble, be a good person, make good decisions.
3. Apply for related positions / internships outside of NASA. If the space missions of NASA interest you, there are many other government contractors (i.e Lockheed Martin, Space X) that have entire departments dedicated towards space. Getting experience with those companies to then make yourself more marketable for NASA might be another angle to get in.
4. Visit Space Camps, Career Fairs, Summer programs where NASA is present and network.
5. Show and demonstrate interests that align with their mission and values.
Randy Tolentino
UX Engineer
20
Answers
Updated
Randy’s Answer
Ryan, 👋
Lindsay is right, in pointing out that the skillset is important to work on first. Imagine your software development skills as your toolbox — once you've gained the right set of tools and you've refined them, then you can take them with you and apply to any company.
In terms of getting into NASA*, it's all about having the right context. A successful NASA candidate should do their homework and have a strong sense of what problems their development teams are solving. NASA actually has a GitHub account where they show some of their open-source projects — give that a quick glance and you'll see what languages/technologies they're using.
In addition, it helps to do some research and become familiar with their working culture. Take some time to research their values and mission as well. This way you know how to shape your approach and you can bring in the right interpersonal/soft-skills, as you apply.
Remember Ryan, first work on acquiring the right toolset, refine your skills, then take them with you wherever you go in your career.
*Note — I do not, nor have I ever worked for NASA. However, learning about what problems any company is trying to solve, and learning about their technologies, is helpful in any job pursuit.
Learn about open source — many companies host their code in open source public platforms
Checkout NASA on GitHub to see what programming languages they're using today
Research NASA work culture
You can follow NASA on social media to see what they're up to
Lindsay is right, in pointing out that the skillset is important to work on first. Imagine your software development skills as your toolbox — once you've gained the right set of tools and you've refined them, then you can take them with you and apply to any company.
In terms of getting into NASA*, it's all about having the right context. A successful NASA candidate should do their homework and have a strong sense of what problems their development teams are solving. NASA actually has a GitHub account where they show some of their open-source projects — give that a quick glance and you'll see what languages/technologies they're using.
In addition, it helps to do some research and become familiar with their working culture. Take some time to research their values and mission as well. This way you know how to shape your approach and you can bring in the right interpersonal/soft-skills, as you apply.
Remember Ryan, first work on acquiring the right toolset, refine your skills, then take them with you wherever you go in your career.
*Note — I do not, nor have I ever worked for NASA. However, learning about what problems any company is trying to solve, and learning about their technologies, is helpful in any job pursuit.
Randy recommends the following next steps: