NASA Service Member Fellowships 2026: Fully Immersive Opportunities for Transitioning U.S. Military Personnel Through SkillBridge & Operation Warfighter

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is offering an extraordinary opportunity for transitioning U.S. military personnel through its Service Member Fellowships Program. Conducted in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Program and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Operation Warfighter (OWF) Program, these fellowships allow active-duty service members to gain meaningful, mission-driven experience at one of the world’s most respected space and research agencies.

Whether your background is in engineering, cybersecurity, public affairs, human resources, science, technology, administration, or program management, NASA’s fellowship pathways are designed to help military personnel successfully transition into civilian careers while contributing to real NASA missions.

The fellowship opportunities are available across multiple NASA centers nationwide, including remote and hybrid roles.

Applicants selected for the program may work alongside NASA professionals in areas connected to:

• Human spaceflight
• Scientific research
• Technology development
• Communications and outreach
• Program management
• Cybersecurity and IT
• Engineering and innovation
• Administrative operations
• Public affairs and strategic communications

This program is not only a career-transition opportunity but also a chance to become part of the NASA ecosystem and contribute to projects that shape the future of exploration and innovation.

About the NASA Service Member Fellowships Program

NASA’s Service Member Fellowships Program provides active-duty military personnel nearing separation from service the opportunity to work directly with NASA during their final months of military duty.

The agency currently participates in two major military transition programs:

1. SkillBridge Fellowship Program
2. Operation Warfighter (OWF) Fellowship Program

Through these pathways, selected participants can work with NASA for up to 180 days before completing military service.

NASA does not advertise individual vacancies ahead of time. Instead, applicants submit their profiles into a centralized candidate pool. NASA centers then review applications and match candidates with opportunities based on mission needs and candidate qualifications.

Current Fellowship Opportunities at NASA

NASA has announced several exciting openings and pathways across the agency.

Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Opportunities at NASA’s Johnson Space Center include:

Engineering Roles

These positions require:

• A master’s degree
• Relevant professional or technical experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Engineering fellows may support:

• Spaceflight systems
• Research and development
• Aerospace technologies
• Mission operations
• Technical innovation initiatives

Public Affairs Roles

Public affairs fellows may contribute to:

• NASA communications campaigns
• Outreach programs
• Media engagement
• Digital storytelling
• Strategic messaging and content creation

These positions are ideal for individuals with communication, journalism, media production, branding, or outreach experience.

NASA Headquarters (Remote Opportunities)

NASA Headquarters is also recruiting fellows for remote program management support roles.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting implementation of the NASA Service Member Fellowships Program
• Coordinating agency-wide initiatives
• Assisting with operational management
• Supporting strategic planning and reporting
• Engaging with stakeholders across NASA centers

Remote opportunities provide flexibility while allowing fellows to contribute to important NASA-wide operations.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, particularly when trying to align military experience with civilian careers. NASA’s fellowship program helps bridge that gap by giving service members practical, high-impact experience inside a federal agency environment.

Participants gain:

• Hands-on NASA work experience
• Exposure to federal workplace culture
• Professional networking opportunities
• Career development support
• Resume enhancement as a “NASA Fellow”
• Access to mission-driven projects
• Mentorship from NASA professionals

Although participation does not guarantee future employment with NASA, the experience significantly strengthens candidates for future federal and private-sector careers.

Fields and Career Areas Available

NASA offers fellowships across a broad range of disciplines.

Possible fellowship areas include:

Engineering, Science & Technology

• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Physical Sciences
• Research & Development

Information Technology & Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity Operations
• Network Administration
• IT Infrastructure
• Software Support
• Information Systems

Communications & Public Affairs

• Media Relations
• Public Communication
• Content Development
• Branding & Outreach
• Strategic Communications

Business & Administration

• Human Resources
• Administration
• Program Management
• Financial Management
• Procurement & Contracts
• Budgeting & Accounting

Additional Fields

• Safety & Occupational Health
• Social Sciences
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Operational Analysis

Fellowship Duration

Selected fellows may participate during their final:

• Minimum: 90 days
• Maximum: 180 days

The fellowship occurs while participants remain on active duty status.

Locations and Work Environment

NASA fellowship opportunities are available:

• Across multiple NASA centers in the United States
• In hybrid work environments
• Through fully remote positions in some cases

NASA facilities support various mission areas, so applicants are encouraged to research which centers align best with their professional interests.

Eligibility Requirements

SkillBridge Fellowship Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be within the final 180 days of active-duty military service
2. Be available for at least 90 days
3. Complete the Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
4. Obtain command approval
5. Follow all service-specific SkillBridge regulations
6. Understand that participation may be terminated due to mission requirements

Operation Warfighter (OWF) Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be actively enrolled in the DHA Operation Warfighter Program
2. Be assigned to a Regional OWF Coordinator
3. Obtain medical and command approvals
4. Follow the DHA Comprehensive Recovery Plan
5. Acknowledge that participation may be terminated by medical providers or military command when necessary

Important Application Information

NASA independently manages participation in both SkillBridge and OWF fellowships.

SkillBridge Application Process

Step 1: Obtain Military Approval

Applicants should:

• Review their branch’s SkillBridge policies
• Coordinate with their base education center
• Ensure eligibility for participation

Step 2: Research NASA Facilities

Applicants are encouraged to:

• Explore NASA centers
• Identify career-aligned mission areas
• Understand available work environments

Step 3: Submit Application

Applicants must submit information through the official NASA Service Member Fellowship application platform.

Important note:
NASA does not publicly post fellowship vacancies beforehand. Applications remain in a candidate pool until sponsoring centers identify suitable candidates.

Operation Warfighter Application Process

Step 1: Connect with Regional Coordinator

Applicants should:

• Contact their assigned OWF Coordinator
• Confirm eligibility and program alignment

Step 2: Submit Application

Candidates must apply through NASA’s Veterans Application platform.

As with SkillBridge, NASA centers review applications internally and contact selected candidates directly.

NASA’s Policy on Artificial Intelligence in Applications

NASA explicitly prohibits the use of artificial intelligence tools to draft fellowship application narratives.

Applicants must:

• Write all responses independently
• Submit original materials
• Avoid AI-assisted writing tools

NASA may verify submissions, and failure to comply can result in disqualification.

Veterans Careers at NASA

NASA continues to support veterans and military spouses through:

• Career development opportunities
• Flexible workplace arrangements
• Veteran-focused hiring pathways
• Federal hiring preferences

Veterans separated under honorable conditions may qualify for additional hiring authorities and employment advantages within the federal system.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants may benefit from:

• Direct NASA work experience
• Exposure to high-impact national projects
• Professional mentorship
• Career transition support
• Enhanced federal employment readiness
• Networking with NASA teams
• Resume credibility as a NASA Fellow
• Participation in mission-driven work environments

Deadline

NASA has not announced a fixed application deadline.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and maintained within a candidate pool for review by NASA centers.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible before entering their final 180 days of active-duty service.

Final Thoughts

NASA’s Service Member Fellowships Program is one of the most unique military transition opportunities currently available in the United States. It combines professional development, national service, technical innovation, and real-world experience within a globally respected organization.

For transitioning service members interested in engineering, public affairs, technology, administration, or scientific exploration, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity to work directly with NASA while preparing for the next phase of civilian life.

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements should begin preparing early, coordinate with their military leadership, and submit strong, original applications aligned with NASA’s mission and values.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply through the official application portal HERE.

Click HERE for more information about the NASA Service Member Fellowships Program.

Explore more global fellowship opportunities on OFY here.