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NASA Programmer information

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How much do nasa programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for nasa programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by NASA programmers when working on mission-critical software projects?

NASA programmers often encounter unique challenges such as developing highly reliable and error-free code for mission-critical systems where failure is not an option. They must adhere to strict coding standards, rigorous testing procedures, and detailed documentation requirements. Additionally, they frequently work in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, scientists, and project managers, which requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Meeting tight deadlines while ensuring the utmost precision and safety can also add to the pressure, making attention to detail and stress management crucial in this role.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, such as senior NASA programmers or specialized systems engineers, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and benefits. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in programming, systems design, or mission-critical applications within government or aerospace industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NASA Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NASA Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Python, C++, or Java, along with a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with specialized software development tools, version control systems like Git, and experience with real-time or embedded systems is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help programmers navigate complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for developing reliable software that supports NASA's high-stakes missions and scientific goals.

Can I work at NASA being a programmer?

NASA employs programmers in roles such as software engineers and computer scientists who develop and maintain software for space missions, research, and operations. Candidates typically need a strong background in computer science, programming languages like C++ or Python, and often require security clearances and relevant degrees. Experience with embedded systems, real-time software, or aerospace applications is also beneficial.

How much do NASA programmers make?

NASA programmers, typically software engineers or computer scientists working for NASA, earn salaries comparable to federal government pay scales. As of 2023, their annual salaries generally range from approximately $70,000 to over $130,000, depending on experience, education, and grade level within the federal pay system. Advanced skills in programming languages, systems, and security can influence compensation.

What do programmers do at NASA?

NASA programmers develop and maintain software for space missions, spacecraft, and ground systems. They write code for data analysis, simulation, and control systems using programming languages like C++, Python, and Java, often working in collaborative teams and following strict safety and reliability standards.

What are NASA Programmers?

NASA Programmers are software developers who design, build, and maintain computer programs and systems that support NASA’s missions and research. Their work can involve developing software for spacecraft, satellites, scientific instruments, data analysis, or mission control systems. They often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals to ensure that software meets the specialized requirements of space exploration and research. NASA Programmers typically have strong backgrounds in computer science, engineering, or related fields, and they use a variety of programming languages and tools. Their contributions are critical to the success and safety of NASA’s projects.
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What cities are hiring for Nasa Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Nasa Programmer job openings:
What states have the most Nasa Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Nasa Programmer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nasa Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Advanced Capabilities Engineer - NASA and NOAA Programs Lead

Advanced Capabilities Engineer - NASA and NOAA Programs Lead

Peraton

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 207 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Advanced Capabilities Engineer - NASA and NOAA Programs Lead

Within Peraton's Space and Mission Solutions sector, there is an immediate need for a cleared Advanced Capabilities Engineer (ACE) to serve as the primary technical proposal lead for NASA and NOAA opportunities. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Reston, VA with regular presence at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NOAA facilities, and other customer sites as required.

As an ACE, you sit at the intersection of technical strategy and proposal execution. You are not a pure technologist, and you are not a pure proposal writer - you are the person who translates deep mission understanding into winning technical approaches. You bring familiarity with both NASA's science and exploration mission culture and NOAA's operational and environmental monitoring priorities - understanding that these are distinct customers with distinct values, even as they share common technical domains in space systems, ground infrastructure, and data processing.

This role is designed for a mid-career systems engineer or technical architect who has led or significantly contributed to technical volumes on competitive NASA or NOAA proposals - and who is ready to step into a role where that skill is the primary contribution. You will work closely with the NASA Mission Domain Expert, the CTO Office's Next-Gen Technology Engineers, and the Growth Organization to ensure Peraton's NASA and NOAA pursuits are technically differentiated from the first day of capture through final proposal submission.

What you'll do:

  • Lead the development of technical volumes and technical approaches for NASA and NOAA proposals, owning the content from outline through final submission
  • Engage with NASA and NOAA program offices and technical stakeholders during pre-RFP phases to build understanding of requirements, evaluation criteria, and mission priorities
  • Collaborate with the NASA Mission Domain Expert to translate customer relationships and mission insight into technically differentiated proposal strategies
  • Work with Next-Gen Technology Engineers in networking, cloud, and AI/data fusion to incorporate emerging capabilities into NASA and NOAA technical solutions
  • Maintain awareness of the distinct acquisition cultures, evaluation criteria, and mission priorities of NASA versus NOAA - tailoring technical approaches accordingly
  • Conduct competitive analysis and develop differentiation strategies that highlight Peraton's unique technical value for NASA and NOAA pursuits
  • Support bid/no-bid assessments by providing technically grounded Pwin analysis and honest evaluation of Peraton's competitive position
  • Participate in color team reviews - both as author and as reviewer - providing and receiving substantive technical feedback
  • Maintain awareness of NASA and NOAA acquisition pipelines, including major upcoming pursuits such as SENSE, RadarNEXT, and NASA enterprise IT programs
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 8+ years of experience with a BS/BA in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field; OR 6+ years with MS/MA; OR 3+ years with PhD. 4 years of additional work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree
  • Direct experience supporting NASA or NOAA programs - you understand at least one of these customers' organizational structures, acquisition processes, and mission priorities from having worked within that environment
  • Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to technical volumes on competitive NASA or NOAA proposals - you have owned sections, not just reviewed them
  • Strong systems engineering background - ability to architect solutions, develop concepts of operations, and translate requirements into technical approaches
  • Experience with one or more of the following mission areas: space communications and networking, ground system operations and modernization, weather systems and remote sensing, or enterprise IT and cloud for civilian space agencies
  • Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced proposal environments with compressed timelines and evolving requirements
  • Strong written communication skills - ability to write clear, compelling, evaluator-focused technical content
  • This position requires the candidate to possess a minimum of Secret clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI for certain program engagements. The candidate must maintain the clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

  • An active TS/SCI is highly desired
  • Direct experience on NASA programs such as SENSE, Deep Space Network operations, Space Network, or NASA enterprise IT programs
  • Experience on NOAA programs involving weather radar systems, satellite ground operations, or environmental data processing
  • Familiarity with NASA acquisition processes including SEWP, ITES, and mission directorate-specific contracting approaches
  • Understanding of NOAA's RadarNEXT program, next-generation weather radar architecture, and NOAA's IT modernization priorities
  • Experience with cloud-native architectures for science data processing and analytics in civilian agency environments
  • INCOSE certification (ASEP, CSEP) or PMP certification
  • Experience working alongside or in support of a business development or capture team 

Benefits: 

At Peraton, our benefits are designed to help keep you at your best beyond the work you do with us daily. We're fully committed to the growth of our employees. From fully comprehensive medical plans to tuition reimbursement, tuition assistance, and fertility treatment, we are there to support you all the way. 

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

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At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017