NASA Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide 2024

Renowned for its groundbreaking space exploration missions and scientific discoveries, NASA is a leader in aerospace research and development. Located in Pasadena, California, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) fosters innovation, collaboration, and excellence in its mission to discover and inspire.

As a Software Engineer at JPL, you will be immersed in developing and integrating software solutions critical for space missions. The role demands expertise in data management, software quality assurance, and system integration. Successful candidates typically hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science or a related field, with relevant professional experience. Strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and technical documentation are essential.

This overview is designed to introduce you to the role and commonly asked NASA software engineer interview questions and help you prepare for the interview process. Let’s get started with Interview Query!

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority; however, you can expect the following on a NASA software engineer interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your application is shortlisted, a NASA recruiter will contact you to verify your background and skillset. During this initial call, expect the recruiter to ask behavioral questions and inquire about your previous experiences.

Sometimes, the hiring manager might also attend the screening to provide more insights about the role and the company and discuss technical topics or situational questions relevant to the position.

This call typically lasts around 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

The next step is the technical screening, usually conducted virtually via video conference and screen-sharing tools. This round will assess your technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities through questions that can cover a wide range of topics relevant to NASA’s software engineering needs.

For instance, you may be asked about fluid mechanics, heat transfer, data management, ETL pipelines, software application implementation, and SQL queries. There’s also a possibility of tackling take-home assignments related to analytics, data visualization, system specifications, and other software engineering tasks.

Depending on the role’s seniority, you might face real-world scenario problems or case studies during this stage.

Onsite Interview Rounds

If you pass the technical virtual interview, you will be invited to the onsite interview, which typically consists of multiple rounds focused on assessing technical skills and cultural fit. Interviews might include questions about your experience with software issues tracking tools, version control systems, and artifact management systems like JIRA, Git/GitHub, and Artifactory.

You must demonstrate your proficiency in application and platform deliveries and operations, integration and test leadership, and engineering applications software. Be prepared for comprehensive discussions about your past research and projects related to subsystems’ design and testing.

Typically, interviews at NASA vary by role and team, but commonly, Software Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

Successfully landing a role at NASA requires diligent preparation and a strong grasp of relevant skills. Here are three tips to help you ace your interview:

1. Understand NASA’s Core Areas: Brush up on key technical areas like fluid mechanics, heat transfer, data management, and software quality assurance. Understanding these areas thoroughly can give you a significant edge.

2. Technical Proficiency: Be proficient in discussing your hands-on experience with tools and technologies listed in the job description, such as JIRA, Git/GitHub, and Linux. This reflects your readiness for the role.

3. Practice Common Scenarios: Use Interview Query to practice interview questions and scenarios you might face, emphasizing behavioral questions and technical problems aligned with NASA’s projects and research focus.

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at NASA?

According to Glassdoor, software engineers at NASA earn between $109K to $155K per year, with an average of $130K per year.

What is the role of a Software Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)?

As a Software Engineer at JPL, you will provide technical, functional, and engineering support for various applications and platforms. This includes gathering requirements, translating system specifications, collaborating with development teams, and ensuring the successful implementation and integration of applications.

What qualifications are required for the Software Engineer position at JPL?

Typically, a Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of related experience, a Master’s degree with 1 year of related experience, or a Ph.D. with 0 years of related experience is required. Additionally, a broad understanding of principles in data management, requirements gathering, software quality assurance, and strong communication skills are essential.

What skills are essential for success in a Software Engineer role at JPL?

Skills include familiarity with software issue-tracking tools like JIRA, version control systems like Git/GitHub, and Linux administration. Excellent written and verbal communication, effective user training and support, and the ability to produce functional deliverables like user requirements and test scripts are crucial.

With a steadfast focus on discovering and inspiring, JPL is the ideal destination for software engineers who wish to contribute to groundbreaking projects. As a prospective candidate, you’ll be part of a team that delves into the universe’s mysteries, applying your software engineering skills to overcome unique challenges.

For more insights about the company, check out our main NASA Interview Guide, where we have covered many interview questions that could be asked. We’ve also created interview guides for other roles, such as software engineer and data analyst, where you can learn more about NASA’s interview process for different positions.

Good luck with your interview! Dare Mighty Things Together.