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Nasa Planetary Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Harness Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$106K - $145K/yr

... operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and ... IPC/WHMA-A-620, NASA-STD-8739.4 / 8739.6, NASA-STD-6016, SAE AS22759, J-STD-001 * Strong ...

Sr. Harness Engineer

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$169K - $187K/yr

... operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and ... IPC/WHMA-A-620, NASA-STD-8739.4 / 8739.6, NASA-STD-6016, SAE AS22759, J-STD-001 * Strong ...

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Nasa Planetary Defense information

See salary details

$20K

$81.5K

$168.5K

How much do nasa planetary defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa planetary defense in the United States is $81,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in NASA Planetary Defense?

A typical workday in NASA Planetary Defense involves monitoring tracking systems for asteroids and near-Earth objects, analyzing data collected from telescopes and satellites, and conducting risk assessments to determine potential threats. You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and international partners to develop detection strategies and emergency response plans. The work environment is highly collaborative and research-driven, often requiring participation in meetings, simulations, and regular updates to stakeholders. This dynamic structure allows team members to constantly engage with innovative technology and contribute to global planetary safety efforts.

What is a NASA Planetary Defense?

A NASA Planetary Defense job involves detecting, tracking, and developing strategies to mitigate the threat of near-Earth objects (NEOs) such as asteroids and comets. Professionals in this field work on advanced space surveillance, impact prediction modeling, and potential deflection techniques. They collaborate with international space agencies, astronomers, and engineers to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in NASA Planetary Defense?

To excel in NASA Planetary Defense, you need advanced knowledge in astrophysics, planetary science, and orbital mechanics, typically backed by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as astronomical survey software, simulation models, and data analysis platforms, as well as certifications in project management or relevant programming languages, are often expected. Strong analytical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills are critical for problem-solving and working on interdisciplinary teams. These skills allow professionals to effectively monitor, assess, and mitigate near-Earth object threats, ensuring planetary safety and mission success.

More about Nasa Planetary Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Nasa Planetary Defense jobs? Cities with the most Nasa Planetary Defense job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Planetary Defense jobs? The most popular types of Nasa Planetary Defense jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Nasa Planetary Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,466 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Director Planetary Science Division

US National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$210K/yr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

NASA's Planetary Science Division drives robotic exploration of the solar system-excluding the Sun and Earth-to understand planetary origins, evolution, and the potential for life. Planetary Science Division funds flagship missions like Mars rovers, Europa Clipper, and Dragonfly, manages planetary data, oversees planetary defense, and leads sample-return efforts, guided by the Planetary Science Decadal Survey.Qualifications:As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment, you must clearly articulate and describe within your 2-page resume that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications MTQ(s) related to this position. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQ(s), you may be disqualified. Any additional pages over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed.
Your resume should include evidence of progressively responsible supervisory, managerial, or professional experience which involved management of a program or organization of significant scope and complexity, normally obtained over several years by serving in positions at the GS-15 level or equivalent.
If you are (1) currently serving under a career SES appointment, (2) eligible for reinstatement into the SES (this means you were previously employed as a Career SES employee and you successfully completed a one-year probationary period), OR (3) have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and certified by OPM,? you do not need to address the ECQs in your resume. However, your resume must clearly state that you are a current career SES, eligible for SES reinstatement, or SES CDP certified and year of certification.
Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQ(s). Only your 2-page resume will be accepted and considered. Any additional documents submitted will not be accepted.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs)
For more information on the ECQs, please visit OPM's ECQ webpage.
ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, and Civic-Mindedness
ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology
ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience
ECQ 4 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgment
ECQ 5 - Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (MTQ):
Your resume must include accomplishments that address the MTQ(s).
MTQ 1 - Demonstrated experience leading/managing planetary science programs (with activities such as experimental, observational, theoretical studies, and modeling of: planets, planetary satellites, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and other objects, media, and phenomena in the solar system as well as their formation, composition, and evolution), including leading multidisciplinary teams across research, mission planning, and/or mission execution. Experience includes establishing science program objectives, developing strategies and budgets, and providing scientific or technical leadership across science stakeholder communities to ensure alignment with priorities and needs.
Competencies: Planetary Science, Strategic Thinking
Your application package must be in your own words. 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. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.Education:This position has a positive education requirement. To be eligible, you must clearly state in your resume the following: degree, major and/or minor, and college/university. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science is required.
An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: 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, click here.Employment Type: OTHER