Astronaut candidates will spend approximately two years training on the basic skills required to be an astronaut - from spacewalking and robotics to leadership and teamwork skills. Upon completing training, they will join the active astronaut corps and become eligible for spaceflight assignment.
Until assigned a spaceflight, they will have responsibilities within the astronaut office ranging from supporting their fellow astronauts in space to advising on the development of new spacecraft.
Major duties of the astronaut position include, but are not limited to: Conduct operations in space, including Low Earth Orbit, the Moon, and beyond, and develop and test future spacecraft and habitats. Perform extravehicular activities (EVA) around spacecraft, space stations, and on planetary surfaces, use the robotic remote manipulator system, and participate in the development and testing of future extravehicular and robotic activities.
Conduct research experiments (including those on animals), operate as a safe member of an aircraft/spacecraft crew (including flight planning and communications), and perform spacecraft maintenance activities. Conduct ground support tasks for astronaut training spaceflight missions, such as CapCom (capsule communicator) in the Mission Control Center.
Participate in and be evaluated during mission simulations that prepare yourself and other astronauts to work as a well-coordinated team with the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center to conduct operations in the dynamic environment of space. Support development and operation of human spaceflight programs or other agency efforts as directed.
Advocate for the interests and safety of all astronauts as part of decision-making teams considering current and future spacecraft designs, tests, and operations. Serve as the public face of NASA, providing appearances across the country and internationally, and sharing NASA's discoveries and goals.
Education must be attained at an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to satisfy qualifications. You MUST provide STEM related transcripts to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.
Note: If you are selected for this position, an official STEM related transcript will be required, prior to your first day. You must meet all qualification requirements by 12/03/2026, the closing date of this announcement, with Test Pilot School completion by July 2027, if applicable.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs, and that such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S.
education program; or that full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications. Translated STEM related transcripts (official or unofficial) are required.
This position is with Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The posted pay range is $164395 – $164395/yr.
This position requires a Confidential security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-12-03.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-08 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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