Culture of Collaboration, Innovation Earns NASA Top Workplace Rankings

by Sumer Loggins | 2023-12-07

A shared purpose unites the NASA workforce - a drive to explore the unknown and create a global impact for the benefit of all.

The agency’s team is dedicated to the pursuit of discovery, whether it’s finding a cure to a disease, studying the human body and circadian rhythms, developing safe technology, searching for the origins of life, or understanding how Earth is changing. This is one of the many reasons why NASA consistently receives top rankings as the best place to work in the federal government and is voted one of America’s top employers for women in 2023.

At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, employees play critical roles in monumental moments and historic missions that capture the world’s imagination and inspire the next generation of explorers. They have an opportunity to push the boundaries of human knowledge and be part of an incredible legacy of scientific achievement in pursuit of a new frontier.

A portrait of the American flag floating in the International Space Station's cupola with Earth in the background. — A portrait of the U.S. flag inside the Cupola aboard the International Space Station. **Credit: NASA**

“It truly is an honor to be recognized as the Best Place to Work in the Federal Government among large agencies for 11 years in a row,” said Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our workforce and our commitment to mission excellence. I am proud to come to work each day and lead such an exceptional team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.”

Russell Janik develops and sustains engineering support for various Mission Control Center systems. “After 43 years at NASA, I have absolutely no regrets,” he said. “It’s rewarding to know as each human spaceflight mission occurs, my contribution was a small piece of the big picture enabling mission success.”

William Foley, the head of the Habitability and Human Factors Branch, firmly believes that the peaceful exploration of space is the next great frontier for humanity. “At NASA, we are at the forefront of seeing that it is done safely and for the benefit of all,” he said. What Foley finds fulfilling in his role is the opportunity to collaborate with crew members and actively contribute to the development of systems that enhance the crew’s capabilities and provide them with greater control, particularly during critical emergency scenarios.

A group of people wearing orange shirts gathered outside in front of a building. — NASA's Johnson Space Center employees don their Astros gear with Cosmo, the agency's Mascot, in front of Building 1. **Credit: NASA**

NASA employees have the unique opportunity to work with experts from many backgrounds in collaborative, interdisciplinary work. The agency’s workforce includes a range of people passionate about the pursuit of space exploration, all working together to break barriers, expand frontiers, and achieve the seemingly impossible. The opportunity to contribute to space exploration and search for answers to life’s fundamental questions is a source of immense pride.

“I worked as a high school science teacher for 15 years and found myself connecting every bit of content to NASA’s storyline,” said Adam Peterson, a project coordinator in Johnson’s Office of STEM Engagement who leads the Spacesuit User Interface Technologies for Students challenge. Peterson says that the most rewarding part of his job is hosting students onsite for night testing designs at Johnson’s rock yard and seeing them graduate and begin careers at NASA and in the space industry.

NASA’s compelling missions, culture of innovation, commitment to safety, inclusive workforce, and opportunities for professional growth are why it is repeatedly named the best place to work in the federal government.

Scroll below to see more about why the Johnson workforce votes NASA the best place to work in the government (and the universe!).