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Full Time Nasa Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Launch Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$80K - $120K/yr

Specialty Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related field with 3 years or more ...

Principal EMI/EMC Engineer

Kent, WA · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

... physics, or related fields * Previous work experience with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, NASA-STD-4003 ... full-time employees * Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and ...

Principal EMI/EMC Engineer

Kent, WA · On-site

$156K - $191K/yr

... physics, or related fields * Previous work experience with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, NASA-STD-4003 ... full-time employees * Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and ...

Program Manager II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

S. Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA, MIT Lincoln Lab, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics ... Full Time Pay Range: $105,000 - $150,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience ...

Senior Structures Engineer, Lunar

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $143K/yr

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics ...

Showing results 41-60

Full Time Nasa Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do full time nasa physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time nasa physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full-time NASA physicist do?

A full-time NASA physicist conducts research and develops theories to better understand physical phenomena that are relevant to space exploration, aeronautics, and planetary science. Their work includes designing and analyzing experiments, interpreting data from missions, and collaborating with engineers and other scientists to solve complex problems. Physicists at NASA may specialize in fields like astrophysics, materials science, or plasma physics, and often contribute to projects ranging from spacecraft design to studying the universe's fundamental laws. They play a critical role in advancing NASA’s scientific objectives and supporting missions to explore space and improve life on Earth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full-time NASA physicist?

To thrive as a Full Time NASA Physicist, you need an advanced degree in physics or a related field, strong analytical skills, and a solid foundation in mathematics and scientific research. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), simulation software, and laboratory instrumentation is typically required, along with security clearance for certain projects. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on complex, multidisciplinary missions. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving scientific discovery, ensuring mission success, and advancing NASA's research objectives.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a full-time NASA physicist within multidisciplinary teams?

As a full-time NASA physicist, you can expect to collaborate extensively with engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and other specialists on projects ranging from spacecraft design to data analysis from missions. These collaborations often take place in both large, cross-functional teams for major missions and in smaller, focused groups for specific research initiatives. Regular meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and interdisciplinary workshops are common, fostering innovation and integrating diverse expertise to achieve mission objectives. This teamwork not only broadens your scientific perspective but also provides valuable networking and learning opportunities in a dynamic research environment.

What is the difference between Full Time Nasa Physicist vs Full Time Aerospace Engineer?

AspectFull Time Nasa PhysicistFull Time Aerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, PhD often preferredEngineering degree, often aerospace or mechanical
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, mission control, data analysisDesign, testing, manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft
Industry UsageResearch institutions, NASA projectsAerospace companies, government agencies

Full Time NASA Physicists focus on research, data analysis, and theoretical work related to space phenomena, often requiring advanced physics degrees. In contrast, Full Time Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft and spacecraft, emphasizing engineering principles and practical application. Both roles are integral to space exploration but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

More about Full Time Nasa Physicist jobs

What cities are hiring for Full Time Nasa Physicist jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Nasa Physicist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Physicist jobs?

The most popular types of Nasa Physicist jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Nasa Physicist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Nasa Physicist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Full Time Nasa Physicist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Senior Director for Science

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

151st of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Requisition Number:

72778

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

16-Jun-2026
Close All
Job Summary

Attention: This is a listing for visibility, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON THIS SITE. The University of Colorado has engaged Opus Partners to support the recruitment of the Senior Director for Science. Applications submitted here on the CU Boulder Job Site WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites nominations and applications for the newly created position of Senior Director for Science. The development of the position provides a unique opportunity to help define the future of one of the world's premier space research institutions.

As a key member of the laboratory's executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Director of LASP, the Senior Director for Science will shape LASP's long-term scientific vision, champion emerging research frontiers, cultivate scientific excellence across a multidisciplinary community, and help position the laboratory to lead the next generation of transformative discoveries and missions. 

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is one of the largest research institutes of CU Boulder, the #1 public university recipient of NASA research grants, and one of America's leading aerospace universities. With a focus on solar, stellar, space plasma, atmospheric, and planetary sciences, LASP employs both experimental and theoretical approaches to answer key science questions.  Since its inception in 1948, LASP has developed, operated, and analyzed the data from scientific instrumentation for solar science, earth atmospheric, planetary, deep-space, and Earth-orbiting spacecraft missions investigating the Sun, all eight planets, Pluto and beyond. The progressive development of research capabilities and use of innovative technologies in pursuit of emerging research initiatives ensures a continued leadership role for LASP in today's growing "new space" era. Since 2013, LASP has secured over $1.75B in grants and contracts.

Thanks to its distinctive combination of scientific and engineering expertise and its ability both to manage long-term collaborations with agencies such as NASA and to respond to faster-moving opportunities with private sponsors, LASP has grown rapidly in the last decade, with expenditures that exceed well over $150M annually, secured through grants, contracts, and other funding vehicles. Some 400 of LASP's 600-person staff are technical staff and research scientists.  The LASP community includes tenure/tenure-track faculty, approximately 110 student employees, 69 graduate students, and 10 postdocs. 

An important element of LASP's mission is to train the next generation of space scientists and engineers: through wide-ranging research and flight projects, LASP participates actively in the development of the future leaders of space research and is a leader in educating students with highly valued technical and scientific skills. Undergraduate and graduate student participation is integral to LASP's R&D and operational success. In this regard, LASP has been both a contributor to and beneficiary of the remarkable growth of the state of Colorado's space sector.


What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Laboratory-Level Scientific Leadership

  • Foster a vibrant multi-disciplinary and inclusive scientific community of researchers within LASP's science division.
  • Provide strategic leadership for the scientific direction of LASP and advise the Director on all matters related to scientific institutional positioning.
  • Define, articulate, and implement LASP's long-term scientific vision.
  • Enable institutional strategy that ensures continued competitiveness in major research programs and space missions.
  • Guide the direction of major proposals, new research initiatives, and investment in capability development, including identification of LASP-internal leaders for these.
  • Oversee tenure-track faculty lines, including recruitment, retention, promotion, and salary structures, working with the Director.
  • Establish policies affecting the scientific workforce and oversee their implementation, such as hiring, evaluation, and promotion.
  • Make staffing decisions that provide leadership structure for the Science Division and oversight for LASP's faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and science students.
  • Facilitate cross-divisional collaboration across LASP's science, technical and operational teams.
  • Provide guidance to scientific teams facing leadership or organizational challenges.
  • Collaborate with divisional assistant directors to provide structures and policies that foster mentorship, growth, and career opportunities for LASP scientists.
  • Execute their own scientific research program with excellence.

External Scientific Leadership and Representation

  • Work closely with the Director to promote and advocate for LASP's scientific mission and programs, representing LASP science in interactions with university leadership, industry, federal agencies, and national and international scientific communities.
  • Strengthen LASP's leadership within the national and international space science community.
  • Shape national and international scientific agendas through leadership and participation in panels, advisory bodies, and public-facing communications.
  • Support the Director in serving as one of LASP's primary scientific representatives to NASA, NOAA, NSF, and federal agencies; National Academies panels and advisory bodies; international space agencies and global research partners; and commercial and philanthropic partners.
  • Promote the participation of LASP scientists in national and international leadership, identifying opportunities and providing mentoring.
  • Strengthen collaborations with CU Boulder departments, institutes, and external research organizations.

Plus other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know
  • Due to requirements governing access to export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) are eligible for hire.
What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this position is $263,000 to $300,000, plus moving allowance. The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, and ECO Pass.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., atmospheric science, planetary science, solar physics, space physics, or related fields).
  • An internationally recognized record of scientific achievement and research leadership.
  • Leadership of major research programs, mission science teams, or research organizations.
  • Demonstrated success in scientific leadership, mentorship, and team development.
  • 10+ years' experience with large interdisciplinary collaborations and complex research initiatives.
  • Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication of science at expert and layperson levels.
What You Will Need
  • Visionary scientific leadership.
  • A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
  • Strategic thinking and institutional perspective.
  • Commitment to mentoring and developing scientific talent.
  • Ability to represent LASP effectively across the national and international research landscape.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Scientific expertise in multiple of LASP's scientific and technical disciplines.
  • Prior experience in senior leadership roles within research institutes, universities, or space mission organizations.
  • Experience interacting with federal research agencies such as NASA, NOAA or NSF.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term scientific strategy.
  • Experience managing faculty or research scientist career-track systems.
  • Strong commitment to fostering a multi-disciplinary and inclusive scientific community.
Special Instructions

DO NOT APPLY ON THIS SITE.

The University of Colorado and LASP have engaged Opus Partners (www.opuspartners.net) to support the recruitment of the Senior Director for Science. Craig Smith, Managing Partner and Jeffrey Stafford, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Candidates should send their CV and letter of interest to jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net. Nominations, recommendations, and inquiries should go to the same address. Every effort will be made to ensure candidate confidentiality. Applications received by August 1, 2026, will receive full consideration. The search process is confidential.


In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

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