Lead the Future of Discovery: Director, Planetary Science Division at NASA

NASA is looking for a dynamic executive to serve as the Director of the Planetary Science Division. This is a pivotal role for the agency, sitting at the intersection of scientific discovery, advanced technology, and national policy. If you are an experienced leader in the scientific community with a passion for solar system exploration, this position offers the unique chance to guide our nation’s robotic mission strategy.

Job Responsibilities

As the Division Director, you will:

Establish guidance and objectives for national planetary science programs.
Manage the balance of flight experiments, mission planning, and data analysis.
Oversee the implementation of programs responsive to the scientific community’s Decadal Surveys.
Serve as the primary liaison between NASA and major scientific bodies like the National Academy of Sciences.
Formulate annual budget requests and report on project status to higher-level leadership.

Requirements

You must meet the following criteria by the closing date:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant physical science, engineering, or mathematical field.
Experience: Progressively responsible leadership experience, typically obtained at the GS-15 level or its private-sector equivalent.
Documentation: A two-page resume detailing your accomplishments in relation to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ).
Compliance: Ability to undergo a high-risk security clearance and drug testing.

Comparison of Applicant Eligibility

Applicant Status	Requirement to Address ECQs
External Candidate	Must describe ECQs in the 2-page resume
Former Career SES	Must state eligibility status on resume
SES CDP Graduate	Must state certification and year on resume

Salary and Benefits

This position is part of the Senior Executive Service (SES), offering a competitive salary range of $210,812 to $217,332 annually. In addition to salary, employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:

Full health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement plans with government-matched TSP contributions.
Generous leave accrual programs.

Application Tips

When applying, remember that quality outweighs quantity. Your resume is the only document the panel will evaluate. Focus on clear, impactful metrics that demonstrate your leadership during complex mission cycles. Ensure you have your credentials ready, and double-check that you have not included any prohibited information like Social Security Numbers or photos.

Leading the Planetary Science Division is more than just a job; it is a chance to define the trajectory of human exploration. If you are prepared to lead at the highest level of the federal government, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application via the USAJOBS portal.

Why This Director Planetary Science Division Job Matters

Shape the future of solar system exploration and lead NASA’s most critical robotic missions as the next Director of the Planetary Science Division.

Director Planetary Science Division Job Overview

NASA is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Planetary Science Division. This Senior Executive Service (SES) role is responsible for overseeing the robotic exploration of our solar system, including the development of flagship missions, planetary defense strategies, and scientific research initiatives. The successful candidate will navigate complex budgetary environments, lead multidisciplinary scientific teams, and ensure that NASA's planetary exploration objectives align with the latest Decadal Survey priorities.

Requirements for Director Planetary Science Division

U.S. Citizenship.
Submission of a concise, two-page resume highlighting Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ).
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, or computer science.
Progressive experience in supervisory or managerial roles at the GS-15 level or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Special Sensitive/High Risk security clearance involving Sensitive Compartmented Information.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test.

Preferred Qualifications for Director Planetary Science Division

Current career Senior Executive Service (SES) status.
Completion of a certified SES Candidate Development Program (CDP).
Demonstrated expertise in leading large-scale planetary science programs, including mission planning and execution.
Experience managing complex multi-million dollar budgets and research portfolios.
Strong communication skills for liaison work with international partners and scientific advisory boards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave policies.
✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options.
✓Flexible work environments and mission-driven culture.

💡 How to Apply Director Planetary Science Division Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Director Planetary Science Division Job

Ensure your resume is limited to exactly two pages; additional pages will not be considered.
Draft your experience to directly address the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ).
Log into your USAJOBS account and complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload your resume and any required documentation before the application deadline.
Submit your application and monitor the status through the USAJOBS 'My Applications' dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Avoid using AI tools for drafting your application responses; NASA requires candidates to provide original, personal content.
Do not include photos, Social Security Numbers, or personal identifiers like age or religion in your resume.
Clearly highlight your leadership accomplishments in planetary science and mission development.
If you have already achieved OPM-certified SES status, clearly state this in your resume to streamline the evaluation process.
Review your application for accuracy; human resources cannot modify submissions once they are received.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the page limit for the resume?

The resume must be exactly two pages long. Any information submitted beyond the two-page limit will not be reviewed by the panel.

Do I need to submit the ECQs as a separate document?

No. You must weave your experience related to the ECQs and MTQs directly into your two-page resume. Do not submit separate documents for these qualifications.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position is designated as Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk and requires the ability to obtain and maintain access to Sensitive Compartmented Information.

How do I verify if my education meets the standards?

Your degree must be from an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. If your degree is foreign, you must provide a credential evaluation.

Can I use AI to help write my application?

NASA prohibits the use of AI tools in drafting application materials. Your responses must be entirely your own.

Job from Headquarters, Nasa

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the world leader in aeronautics and space research. The Planetary Science Division specifically handles the robotic exploration of our solar system—excluding Earth and the Sun—to understand how planets form, evolve, and whether they might harbor life. From the rovers on Mars to missions reaching the outer planets, the Division’s work is fundamental to human knowledge.