NASA Technician’s Journey from Contractor to Civil Servant
Jared Spiers, an electrical engineering technician at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, has a long-standing passion for the agency’s mission, rooted in his childhood experiences near the facility in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. His father’s work at NASA inspired him to pursue a career in the space program, leading him to know where he wanted to work even before he graduated high school.
After completing three associate degrees in instrumentation, electronics, and electrical technology at Pearl River Community College in 2017, Spiers began his career at NASA Stennis as a contractor immediately following graduation. His work contributed to the agency’s efforts to return to the Moon, specifically through his role at the Thad Cochran Test Stand, which was originally built for testing Saturn V rocket stages during the Apollo missions. Spiers played a significant part in preparing for the Green Run test series of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which was integral to the successful Artemis I test flight.
“Being hands-on with the rocket was a whole different experience,” Spiers remarked, reflecting on his childhood dreams of working with NASA.
His contributions were critical in paving the way for Artemis II, which involved astronauts flying aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft further into space than any humans have traveled before.
Rising to Civil Servant Status
In June 2026, Spiers transitioned to a civil servant position under NASA’s initiative to reinforce core competencies within its workforce. This shift has deepened his connection to the agency. “When I joined NASA, it meant a lot more. It felt like a goal achieved,” he stated, emphasizing the sense of belonging he feels as a civil servant.
Spiers’ role entails 12-hour shifts that start at 6 a.m., where he is involved in preparing the Thad Cochran Test Stand for stage testing of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. This collaboration with commercial partners is aligned with NASA’s objective to land astronauts on the Moon and establish a lunar base.
His technical expertise is crucial as he ensures that the facility’s electronics function properly, facilitating the collection of accurate data. His responsibilities include running conduit and cabling, connecting instruments for data collection, and managing motor valve operations. Spiers takes pride in the fast-paced environment, ensuring that all tasks are completed correctly.
A Family Affair at NASA
Spiers’ connection to NASA extends beyond his own career. His father, Joey Spiers, also transitioned from contractor to civil servant this summer, taking on a role as an electrical engineering technician. Additionally, his brother-in-law, Brock Sheppard, joined the agency as a mechanical engineering technician in September.
The enthusiasm for NASA resonates within his family, as his wife and children in Poplarville, Mississippi, share in the excitement. His six-year-old son, proud to be part of the Artemis Generation, identifies the International Space Station and believes his father works there. Meanwhile, his young daughter frequently calls him at work to inquire about rockets.
Spiers fosters a family-oriented atmosphere at work, viewing his colleagues as an extended family. He expresses gratitude for the mentorship he received from veteran employees early in his career and aims to provide similar support to others.
During NASA’s Career Technical Education Day at Stennis in September, Spiers inspired community college students and a virtual audience by discussing his journey to NASA and the significance of strong work ethics and technical skills in fulfilling the agency’s mission.
“My crew is great. We love our jobs, we love being together, and we take care of each other,” he concluded, highlighting the camaraderie within his team.
Source: NASA
