What's the path to becoming a software engineer at NASA?

I'm set on the career of software engineering/development. However, I'm also interested in aeronautics and spaceflight. My dream is to work on projects that involve the nation's air and space programs.

How much of there is a need for software engineers at NASA, and what sort of path can I follow in my life to become a part of that?

(I'm halfway through high school and looking at colleges)

Getting an Ivy league school

I'm a College and University Recruiter for a government contractor in the Washington DC area, and this summer we actually had 3 interns who worked on a contract that we had for NASA, so they got to go work in the NASA facility.

There's definitely a need for software engineers at NASA, although there is probably more of a need for Mechanical or Aerospace engineers, so if the main goal is NASA you might want to take some classes in those areas when you first start college and see if they interest you at all.

I would also recommend trying to go to a college that is near a major NASA center (such as Huntsville, AL) so that there's the greater possibility of you getting internships with NASA (which is a huge way to get your foot in the door). Even if you're not able to get an internship with them directly, you can always try to get one with a government contractor (like our interns did this summer) and work with NASA that way. That's also a good way to get some contacts and do some networking to get your foot in the door.

I hope this helped! Good Luck!

Wow, check my profile.

I am a Software Engineer at NASA.

There is a tremendous amount of software engineering work here at Johnson Space Center (JSC). I actually support the Mission Control Center (MCC) with new technologies for the new "Constellation" project that includes manned space flight going back to the Moon and Mars.

My background helped me get on board but lately, I have seen many Aerospace Engineers from Texas A&M come in and use our simulation toolkit known as "TRICK". It is a Linux / C++ oriented simulation development toolkit that helps simulate the different aspects of space flight. Some of these individuals go on to become "Flight Controllers" that actually run the different disciplines in the MCC.

Most of the Software Engineers are contracted by several companies that are either locally present within JSC range or actually on the JSC site, as I am. Interns are welcome and are used everywhere.

I suggest you get with a local recruiter at your local university to help coordinate a meeting with some of the NASA sites. There are 12 sites in the US alone.

Most of the software is written by "non-computer science" engineers that hold more than one major or perhaps a minor and loads of experience. However, NASA has been hiring several graduating college folks recently because of the high demand of work still on the table.

Manned Space flight (JSC) has enough work for supporting the changeover from Shuttle to the new Ares vehicle. The Moon vehicles (Orion) are just beginning to simulate most of the scenarios that are expected of Moon landings. But residing on the moon will have more complex situations and more simulations required. Here is a list of companies that help support the engineering effort through software development:

Boeing / Lockheed Martin Space / Jacobs Engineering / L-3 Communications / Barrios / USA (combination of Rockwell and Boeing) and many small engineering firms as well.

I would highly recommend for those folks interested in Hardware Engineer, that you look at becoming a "Network Engineer". That specifically is the most sought after position here at JSC. I can't speak for JSC as a whole or any of the other 11 NASA sites, but I can tell you we are still hiring many folks in software development.

As for other disciplines needed at NASA, if you are interested in Network Engineering, I would highly recommend this position as JSC is in dire need of these fine folks.

Email me (kinger75002@yahoo.com) for details on perhaps some information about becoming an intern here at JSC. We have recently had 3 interns in our (40 people) organization alone.

Anyway - hope this helps.

I am currently enrolled in AMU online- This is the american Military university- though you do not have to be military to attend. I am currently studying in international relations and space studies- Both are very importnant for anything in the space field, espeacially since NASA is going to virtually non exhistant in the upcomming years. It is making way for space tourism and travle by private companies. It is a very good thing to get into- I will be done with my schooling in about 5 years and then I will have my foot in the door for a really cushy(and geeky) 80+K/year Job, doing anything of my choice. If your interested this is best since it can be very involved, This is not a field you want to venutre into without interest. If you do end up pursuing space studies- you will more than likely end up at a private company launching and controlling satelites or even tourism rockets- Good luck to you.

Get into a top Engineering school. Graduate with top honors, publish several papers on something NASA is interested in, ???? Profit.
Better yet, call them and ask. Phone: (202) 358-0000 That is the number for NASA HQ

Robotics

being a smarty pants