Executive Leadership Opportunities 

Regardless of location, work role or level, we are connected and united by a shared purpose at NASA. For our leadership, this purpose is leading the agency towards meeting its mission. Our strong leadership cadre supports and empowers NASA employees to achieve their best. We believe if you take care of the people, they will take care of the mission. And our leadership team does just that by celebrating employee successes and recognizing and valuing everyone’s contributions. We have three Executive Career paths at NASA: Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL) and Scientific or Professional (ST) positions. All of NASA’s Executive position vacancies are available for you to view on USAJOBS. Once there, you can save your job search, so that you will automatically be notified of new opportunities.

Senior Executive Service  

The leaders who make up the Senior Executive Service (SES) operate and oversee nearly every government activity across each federal agency, including NASA. These leaders possess well-honed executive skills and share a broad perspective on government and a public service commitment that is grounded in the Constitution. For additional information about Senior Executive Service, visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Senior Executive Service (SES) website.

SES application packages require each applicant to submit a narrative describing their Executive Core Qualifications. Applicants can draft their ECQ narratives using the recommended ECQ format. 

You must submit this additional information in order to receive consideration. The ‘How to Apply’ section of the SES vacancy announcements provides details on application procedures. You can learn more about the application process on the Office of Personnel Management’s SES Selection Process website.  

Senior Level  

The executives who serve in NASA’s Senior Level (SL) positions are critical technical leaders, like Center and Program Chief Engineers, and Launch Directors. For additional information about Senior Level positions, visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s website. 

SL application packages require each applicant to submit a resume and responses to NASA’s SL evaluation criteria. You must submit this additional information in order to receive consideration. The ‘How to Apply’ section of the SL vacancy announcements provide details on application procedures. You can learn more about the application process here.

Scientific or Professional 

The executives who serve in NASA’s Scientific or Professional (ST) positions are recognized as world-renowned researchers in physical, biological, medical, or engineering sciences. For additional information about ST positions, visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s website.

ST application packages require each applicant to submit a resume and responses to NASA’s ST evaluation criteria. You must submit this additional information in order to receive consideration. The ‘How to Apply’ section of the ST vacancy announcements provide details on application procedures. You can learn more about the application process here.