Want to Intern at NASA JPL in Spring 2025? Here’s How to Check Your Eligibility and Apply!

Intern at NASA JPL in Spring 2025: Landing an internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a dream come true for many students interested in space, engineering, and science. If you’re wondering how to intern at NASA JPL in Spring 2025, you’re in the right place. This guide will show you how to check your eligibility and apply, step by step. Whether you’re a college sophomore, community college student, or a graduate-level researcher, JPL’s internship program offers a rare opportunity to work on cutting-edge space missions with world-class scientists and engineers who are shaping the future of exploration.

NASA JPL is operated by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for NASA and has been the cradle of innovation for some of the most historic and transformative space missions, such as the Mars Rovers, Voyager spacecraft, and James Webb Space Telescope. Their internships provide hands-on experience in various domains like robotics, artificial intelligence, satellite communication, data science, and more. But getting accepted into this competitive program requires planning, academic commitment, and a passion for scientific discovery.

Intern at NASA JPL in Spring 2025

Don’t let self-doubt stop you from applying. NASA JPL internships are designed to cultivate new talent and reward curiosity, commitment, and capability. If you meet the requirements, you owe it to yourself to apply.

• Mark your calendar: November 21, 2024
• Secure a faculty sponsor
• Craft a standout resume
• Start your application early

This could be your first step toward an exciting future in space science, engineering, or technology. NASA JPL is looking for passionate learners ready to make an impact. Could that be you?

What Is the NASA JPL SIRI Internship?

The Student Independent Research Intern (SIRI) program at NASA JPL is an academic partnership that allows university students to actively contribute to cutting-edge projects conducted by the lab. Interns are integrated into JPL’s scientific community, working alongside mentors who are leaders in their respective fields.

Unlike summer internships, which are typically full-time and funded, the SIRI internship is a part-time, unpaid position offered during the academic term. Its primary focus is educational, requiring that students receive independent study credit through their institution. Interns must be proactive, well-organized, and academically strong, as they will be balancing this opportunity alongside their regular coursework.

Internships typically span a 15-week period, during which participants dedicate 10 to 15 hours weekly to their projects. These projects vary greatly—from helping process planetary data for climate modeling to developing algorithms for spacecraft navigation.

Why Intern at NASA JPL?

There are countless benefits to interning at NASA JPL, including:

• Access to exclusive NASA research and technology that is unavailable in typical academic settings.
• Mentorship from leading scientists and engineers working on missions that directly impact the future of space travel and Earth science.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment that mirrors real-world scientific teams.
• Insight into mission lifecycle development, from proposal to launch and beyond.
• A prestigious credential on your resume that can help you secure future academic and career opportunities.

For instance, one former intern from the SIRI program contributed to a Mars terrain mapping project that influenced navigation plans for the Perseverance rover. Another worked on AI-driven anomaly detection for spacecraft instruments.

This kind of experience is hard to come by and offers long-term benefits that extend far beyond the internship period.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for a Spring 2025 internship under the SIRI program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Basic Requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Be 18 years or older
• Have completed high school
• Be currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate level)
• Be majoring in a STEM-related field, such as astronomy, computer science, electrical engineering, data science, environmental science, or mathematics
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

Academic Credit Requirement:

• You must receive independent study credit from your college or university
• A faculty member at your institution must act as your academic sponsor, overseeing your progress and assigning your final grade

Note: Many schools allow internship credit to count toward graduation requirements. Make sure to consult with your academic advisor early.

What Does the Internship Involve?

Duration and Time Commitment

• Internship runs for approximately 15 weeks during the Spring 2025 semester
• Students are expected to commit between 10 and 15 hours per week, depending on the scope of their project
• Scheduling is generally flexible and designed to work around your academic obligations

Types of Projects and Roles

Each intern is paired with a JPL mentor based on their background, skills, and interests. Areas of involvement may include:

• Scientific research and literature reviews
• Data analysis using programming languages like Python, R, or MATLAB
• Software development for mission-critical applications
• Engineering simulations and design reviews
• Remote sensing and image processing
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence

JPL offers an incredibly diverse array of research opportunities, and your placement will be determined after you apply, based on available projects and mentor needs.

Intern at NASA JPL in Spring 2025 Apply Guide

• Gather Required Materials: Start by preparing these key documents,
  • Resume with a focus on STEM coursework, programming languages, internships, and academic projects
  • Unofficial academic transcript to demonstrate GPA and relevant classes
  • Faculty nomination form, which must be completed by a faculty member willing to oversee your independent study
• Visit the Application Portal: Head over to the NASA JPL SIRI application page to begin the application process. Read all instructions carefully.
• Submit the Online Form: You’ll be asked to,
  • Provide personal and academic background information
  • Upload your resume and transcript
  • Answer any relevant program questions
  • Identify your research interests (if applicable)
• Ensure Faculty Nomination Is Submitted: Your faculty sponsor must complete the nomination form by the deadline. Make sure they understand what’s required and follow up regularly.

Application Deadline: November 21, 2024

Don’t wait until the last minute. Applying early improves your chances of being matched with a mentor.

Pro Tips for a Successful Application

To enhance your odds of success:

• Tailor your resume specifically for this internship. Highlight any research or class projects that relate to space, robotics, coding, or data analysis.
• Ask a faculty member early about sponsoring your credit. The earlier you secure their support, the smoother the application process.
• Practice describing your interests in a way that aligns with NASA’s goals. Be specific and passionate.
• Prepare to discuss your skills in interviews. Mentors may want to assess your fit for their project.
• Consider applying again if you aren’t selected this cycle. Persistence pays off in NASA programs.

What Happens After Submission?

Here’s a breakdown of what happens post-application:

• Application review by the JPL Education Office to confirm eligibility
• Mentor review – Mentors browse applications to select candidates that match their project needs
• Interview (optional) – You may be contacted for a virtual meeting to discuss the opportunity
• Official offer – If selected, you’ll receive a formal offer and onboarding instructions

The process can take several weeks, so be patient. Notifications typically begin in late December or early January.

If you aren’t selected, consider applying to summer internships at JPL or other NASA centers via intern.nasa.gov.

FAQs

1. Can international students apply?

No. This program is only available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

2. Is the internship paid?

No, the SIRI program is unpaid, but students receive academic credit and valuable research experience.

3. Can I apply as a freshman or community college student?

Yes, as long as you meet the GPA requirement and are enrolled in a STEM major. Freshmen may find it more challenging to qualify without a robust academic background.

4. What are some example majors that qualify?

Majors such as Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Earth Science, Applied Math, and Physics are typical. Even less traditional majors like Environmental Engineering or Data Science can qualify if they align with JPL’s work.

5. Can the internship be remote?

Some projects may allow remote participation depending on mentor preferences and security guidelines, but this is not guaranteed.

6. What if I can’t get credit from my school?

Unfortunately, receiving independent study credit is a requirement. Talk to your school’s registrar or internship coordinator to explore your options.

Why This Internship Matters for Your Career

Interning at NASA JPL can significantly impact your professional and academic journey. Here’s how:

• Gain exposure to research methodologies and high-tech tools that are highly sought after in industry and academia.
• Network with peers, mentors, and JPL staff who can write recommendations and connect you to future opportunities.
• Build a strong portfolio of research and technical work to use in future job or grad school applications.
• Improve your confidence by tackling real-world problems that require creativity, discipline, and persistence.

Former interns have transitioned into full-time roles at JPL, NASA centers across the country, and top-tier aerospace companies like Boeing, SpaceX, and Lockheed Martin.