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Nasa Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics ... Working knowledge of AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-4005, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-6016 for ...

Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics ... Working knowledge of AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-4005, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-6016 for ...

Serve as the Chemical Propulsion Refueling Lead acting as the cross-project point of contact for ... Experience with NASA JSC Flight Hardware Life Cycle, Certification, and Engineering processes

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Nasa Chemical Engineer information

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$40K

$87.5K

$140K

How much do nasa chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa chemical engineer in the United States is $87,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a NASA chemical engineer?

A NASA Chemical Engineer applies principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to develop materials, fuels, and life-support systems for space exploration. They work on propulsion systems, spacecraft materials, and environmental controls to ensure the safety and efficiency of missions. Their role may involve researching advanced chemical processes, developing new technologies for sustainability in space, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common projects or challenges that NASA chemical engineers work on?

NASA Chemical Engineers often work on developing materials and processes for propulsion systems, life support, and fuel generation both on Earth and for use in space exploration missions. Challenges can include creating lightweight, durable materials for spacecraft, addressing chemical safety concerns in microgravity environments, and optimizing reaction processes under extreme conditions. Collaborating closely with aerospace engineers, physicists, and biologists is commonplace, and project work typically involves both laboratory research and participation in larger engineering teams. This diversity in tasks and collaboration provides opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make meaningful contributions to NASA’s mission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the NASA chemical engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NASA Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, thermodynamics, and materials science, typically supported by a BS or higher in chemical engineering or a related discipline. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB or Aspen Plus), laboratory instrumentation, and safety certifications like OSHA are often required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills help drive innovative solutions in multidisciplinary projects. These abilities are vital for ensuring the safe, effective development of advanced materials and systems used in space missions.

More about Nasa Chemical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Nasa Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Nasa Chemical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Chemical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Nasa Chemical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Nasa Chemical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Nasa Chemical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nasa Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,487 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Chemical Engineer AST, Aerospace Polymeric Materials (Direct Hire)

US National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Merritt Island, FL

$107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

As an Integration Chemical Engineer in the Engineering Directorate, you will apply chemical engineering principles to optimize process flows and hardware integration for lunar instrumentation and hardware. You will bridge diverse engineering teams to manage instrument testing, calibration, and delivery. Your technical leadership will advance In-Situ Resource Utilization technology, directly supporting the Artemis program's mission of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.
To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:
  • Leading cross-functional engineering initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, equipment deployments, or analytical instrumentation workflows;
  • Translating technical requirements between internal engineering disciplines and external stakeholders to manage project dependencies, risk governance, and schedule execution;
  • Applying chemical or process engineering principles to resolve technical interface issues, improve system yield, or execute hardware testing and validation procedures.

In determining the NASA AST specific position title to which you are appointed, you may be required to have one of the following majors (this list is not inclusive):

Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Structural Engineering, Welding Engineering.Other majors will qualify if the major includes or is supplemented as follows: Ceramics or Ceramics Engineering (with 12 semester hours in refractory ceramics, cermets or protective coatings); Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or Geology (with 12 semester hours in strength of materials, structures, thermodynamics, and/or basic static and dynamics); Metallurgy or Metallurgical Engineering (with 12 semester hours in physical or adaptive metallurgy, high temperature metals and alloys, cermets); Mathematics or Nuclear Engineering (with nine semester hours in physics, structures, materials or other appropriate courses). Other appropriate physical science or engineering fields may qualify with appropriate supplemental courses.


Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.
Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.Education:This position requires education or exceptional experience
Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.
If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.
Applicants who do not fully meet the basic education requirement may still be considered if they possess exceptional relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience, that clearly demonstrates significant full performance-level achievement directly related to the duties of this position.
Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.
Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.
Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.Employment Type: OTHER