Apply to be a Flight Director: Frequently Asked Questions

NASA will commence accepting applications for the upcoming cohort of flight directors on October 2, 2026. The submission period will span ten days, concluding on October 12, 2026. Prospective flight directors will oversee human spaceflight missions aimed at the International Space Station, Artemis missions to the Moon, and future endeavors to Mars.

A flight director's primary responsibility is to direct teams of flight controllers, astronauts, and commercial and international partners during real-time mission execution and risk management. In the mission preparation phase, flight directors work alongside engineering, safety, and program partners to ensure operational plans harmonize with spacecraft capabilities and mission objectives.

Candidates for the position must be U.S. citizens possessing a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics. While prior experience as a NASA flight controller is common among flight directors, it is not a mandatory prerequisite for application.

NASA seeks candidates with significant related professional experience, including decision-making responsibilities in high-stress, high-risk scenarios. The flight director training program encompasses comprehensive technical instruction across all spacecraft systems and extensive simulations. Candidates also receive on-the-job training under the mentorship of senior flight director team members. This training regimen equips candidates with both robust technical knowledge and practical operational readiness.

The training timeline commences upon selection, with candidates undertaking technical and leadership assignments within the Flight Director Office. The formal training program typically culminates in initial certification within 16 months. Moreover, flight directors engage in ongoing professional development throughout their careers, refining their skills to adapt to increasingly complex missions and learn from on-orbit experiences to enhance future mission planning and execution.

NASA flight directors are stationed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The application process will be announced shortly, upon which applicants can access the official link provided on this page. In the interim, interested individuals are encouraged to explore additional information about NASA careers at https://www.nasa.gov/careers/faq/ .