NASA Opens Applications for Next Class of Flight Directors

What this means

NASA opened applications for a new class of flight directors at Johnson Space Center, with U.S. citizens able to apply through October 12, 2026. Candidates must hold an eligible bachelor’s degree and have substantial progressively responsible experience, including time-critical decision-making in high-risk settings; prior work as a mission-control flight controller is not required. NASA expects to announce selections by the end of 2026, after which the appointees will train to lead International Space Station, Artemis, and future human-spaceflight missions.

Official release

Source material from NASA. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

The Artemis II flight control team is pictured in the White Flight Control Room in mission control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on April 10, 2026, for the splashdown and recovery of the Artemis II mission.

Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz

NASA is seeking leaders for one of the most esteemed positions on Earth for human spaceflight: flight director in mission control at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. This role is critical to advancing American leadership in space exploration, as NASA paves the way for a sustained human presence on the Moon.

Applications for new flight directors are open now through Monday, Oct. 12. U.S. citizens can apply at:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/886788000

Those chosen as NASA flight directors will lead human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station, Artemis missions to the Moon, and, eventually, the first human missions to Mars.

Flight directors lead teams of flight controllers, astronauts, and commercial and international partners in real-time mission execution and risk management. In preparation for a mission, flight directors collaborate with engineering, safety, and program partners to ensure operational plans align with spacecraft capabilities and mission objectives.

“We are working in an exciting, pivotal time as we continue supporting operations to the International Space Station while building the next phase of human spaceflight with Artemis and Moon Base missions, preparing to go farther than ever before,” said Emily Nelson, chief flight director at Johnson. “Accomplishing these ambitious goals requires flight directors who are expert integrators, bringing together a broad range of teams and disciplines into a clear, unified mission effort. This integral role exemplifies the best of innovation and teamwork.”

To be considered, flight director candidates must be U.S. citizens with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics. They also will need substantial related, progressively responsible professional experience, including time-critical decision-making experience in high-stress, high-risk environments. Although many NASA flight directors have previously been flight controllers working in mission control, it is not a prerequisite to apply.

NASA plans to announce selections by the end of the year. The new flight directors will receive extensive training in flight control and spacecraft systems, as well as operational leadership and risk management.

Learn more about NASA flight directors and the application process at:

go.nasa.gov/BeAFlightDirector

-end-

Rachel Kraft

Headquarters, Washington

202-358-1100

rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov

Anna Schneider / Mary Pfister

Johnson Space Center, Houston

281-483-5111

anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov / mary.m.pfister@nasa.gov

Release text attributed to NASA. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.