NASA INTERNSHIP 2026

NASA Orion Engineering Internship Fall 2026 (Houston) 

Are you an aspiring engineer dreaming of pushing the boundaries of human space exploration? NASA's prestigious Orion Program Office at the Johnson Space Center in Houston is searching for exceptional interns to help design, develop, and test the next generation of spacecraft. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work hands-on with elite mentors on critical systems—from active thermal control to flight software—and actively contribute to humanity's journey back to the Moon and beyond.

Particulars & Details

About the Role & Work Environment

Internships at NASA are educational hands-on opportunities that provide unique research and operational experiences for students. The Orion Program Office at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston is at the forefront of designing, developing, and testing NASA's new Orion spacecraft, which will carry astronauts into deep space. Once selected, interns are strategically matched with leading mentors working on Orion-related projects across a wide range of engineering disciplines within the JSC Engineering Directorate. This role immerses you in the exact environment where human spaceflight history is actively being written.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute directly to the design, development, and extensive testing of the new Orion spacecraft systems.
• Work collaboratively with dedicated mentors on specialized projects within the Engineering Directorate.
• Assist in rigorous operational evaluations, which have historically included active thermal control systems, docking system pyro testing, and main engine testing.
• Support mission planning through trajectory design, flight software analysis, and systems integration.
• Participate in hands-on technical problem-solving to advance the safety and efficiency of human spaceflight.

Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications

• Educational Status: The program is open to Undergraduate Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Master's Students (Age 16 and up).
• Targeted Disciplines: Applicants should be pursuing degrees in Engineering or related technologies. Specific areas of interest include Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Industrial Production Technologies, Instrumentation Technology, Mining and Petroleum Technologies, Nanotechnology, Quality Control and Safety Technologies, and Materials Science.
• Core Competencies: Interns are selected based on their profound technical expertise, proven leadership abilities, and an unmistakable passion for advancing human spaceflight.

How to Apply

1. Ensure your resume clearly details your academic level, major, technical skills, and any projects relevant to aerospace or systems engineering.
2. Draft a compelling statement of interest that speaks directly to your passion for the Orion Program and human space exploration.
3. Navigate to the official NASA STEM Gateway portal using the application link provided below.
4. Search for the Engagement ID 024580 or the title "Orion Engineering Internship" for the Fall 2026 session.
5. Submit your comprehensive application online before the strict registration end date of May 22, 2026.
6. For direct inquiries regarding the engagement, you may contact the NASA Internships team at nasa-internships@mail.nasa.gov.

Important Links

• Apply Online: Click Here to Submit Application via NASA STEM Gateway
• Learn About NASA Internships: Discover the NASA Internship Program

FAQs

• Where does this internship take place? The internship is held in-person at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
• When does the application period close? The registration window officially closes on May 22, 2026.
• What academic levels are eligible? The opportunity is open to all undergraduate levels (Freshman to Senior) and Graduate Master's students.
• What kind of projects will I work on? Past interns have contributed to active thermal control systems, mission and trajectory design, flight software, main engine testing, and docking system pyro testing.

Disclaimer: This opportunity is shared for informational purposes only. We at 99jobs.org are not the organizing or recruiting institution. We do not accept or process applications and cannot influence selection decisions. Applicants must apply directly through the official organization website. Please verify all details from the official source before applying.

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