NASA Announces Project Engineering Intern Summer 2026 Positions at Johnson Space Center (Houston, Texas)

NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, is looking for a Project Engineering Intern for Summer 2026. While many NASA roles focus purely on technical design, this opportunity is about the execution of complex flight projects.

This role is ideal for engineering students who are leaders—those who understand that building a spacecraft requires not just physics, but also rigorous schedule management, cost tracking, and risk mitigation. You will work directly with project managers to help ensure mission success.

Detailed Role & Key Responsibilities

As a Project Engineering Intern, you will function as a vital member of a project team, helping to navigate the full project lifecycle.

1. Project Management & Control

You will assist in the "business" of engineering.

• Tracking: Assist project managers in tracking critical tasks, project costs, and schedules.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks to the mission and help develop mitigation strategies.
• Analysis: Analyze data to make informed decisions that keep the project on track.

2. Execution & Communication

• Test Planning: Plan for and execute tests to verify engineering requirements.
• Communication: Enable effective team communication, often acting as a bridge between technical subject-matter experts and management.
• Documentation: Extract information from experts via interviews and digest existing NASA documentation.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

NASA is seeking candidates who are highly self-directed and have a demonstrated history of leadership.

1. Academic Status

• Level: Open to Undergraduate (Sophomore, Junior, Senior) and Graduate (Master's) students.
• Majors: A very broad range of Engineering majors are accepted, including Aerospace, Systems, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Nuclear, and Operations Research.

2. Citizenship (Strict)

• US Citizens Only: You must be a U.S. Citizen. (Permanent Residents are not eligible for this specific role).

3. Desired Skills

• Systems Knowledge: A working knowledge of the NASA system development process is highly desired.
• Soft Skills: Must be flexible, self-directed, and able to interview experts to get the information needed.

Key Dates & Logistics

• Registration Opens: December 15, 2025
• Registration Closes: February 27, 2026
• Session: Summer 2026 (Full-time)
• Format: In-person at Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX).

How to Apply

To apply, you must use the NASA STEM Gateway. You will need to create a profile and search for the specific opportunity ID.

Step 1: Go to the NASA STEM Gateway.
Step 2: Search for Opportunity ID: 023507.
Step 3: Submit your application before Feb 27, 2026.

Apply Here (Direct Link)