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Full Time Planetary Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JPL

Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science, or a related field * In-depth knowledge of ... The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $83,820 ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$114K/yr

... the Planetary Science Center. Penn State is heavily involved with the development and ... BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to ...

Astrolab

Lead Loads and Dynamics Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$170K - $230K/yr

Vehicle Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Compensation: $170 ... Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field or ...

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$174K - $196K/yr

Mission Systems Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: George ... Define operational strategies for lunar surface traverses, science activities, resource utilization ...

Astrolab

Staff Power Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$170K - $226K/yr

Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Jake Peery ... Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent. * 10+ ...

Caltech

Mechanical Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

... of planetary science, astronomy, and cosmology. This full-time position is based on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California, but requires occasional travel to Palomar Mountain, San Diego ...

Astrolab

Principal FPGA Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$203K - $243K/yr

Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Jake Peery ... Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent * 15 ...

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How much do full time planetary scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time planetary scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I get with a full time planetary scientist degree?

A full-time planetary scientist degree prepares individuals for roles such as planetary geologist, research scientist, or planetary data analyst, often working for government agencies, research institutions, or space agencies. These positions typically require skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and familiarity with scientific tools like GIS and spectroscopy. Employment may involve fieldwork, laboratory research, or computational modeling, with opportunities in academia, government space programs, or private aerospace companies.

How much do full time planetary scientists get paid?

Full-time planetary scientists typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the employer. Salaries are higher for those with advanced degrees, research experience, and specialized skills in data analysis and planetary geology.

What is the difference between Full Time Planetary Scientist vs Geoscientist?

AspectFull Time Planetary ScientistGeoscientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in planetary science, geology, or astronomyBachelor's or master's in geology, geophysics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, space agencies, planetary missionsFieldwork, labs, environmental consulting
Employer & IndustryNASA, planetary research institutes, space agenciesUniversities, government agencies, environmental firms
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Full Time Planetary Scientists focus on planetary bodies, space missions, and extraterrestrial geology, often working in research and space agencies. Geoscientists study Earth's processes, often in field settings. While both roles require geology-related credentials, planetary scientists specialize in space environments, making them distinct in industry and work environment.

What does a full time planetary scientist do?

A Full Time Planetary Scientist studies planets, moons, and other celestial bodies in our solar system and beyond. Their work involves analyzing data from telescopes, satellites, and space missions to understand planetary atmospheres, surfaces, geology, and potential for life. They often publish research, collaborate with international space agencies, and may participate in planetary mission planning. Planetary scientists also teach, mentor students, and contribute to public outreach about space science.

Are full time planetary scientists in demand?

Full time planetary scientists are in moderate demand, primarily within government agencies, research institutions, and space agencies like NASA and ESA. Employment opportunities depend on research funding, project availability, and the scientist's expertise in areas such as planetary geology, remote sensing, and data analysis, often requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills. Competition can be high, but growth in space exploration initiatives sustains ongoing demand for qualified professionals in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time planetary scientist?

To thrive as a Full Time Planetary Scientist, you need a strong background in planetary science, geology, or physics, typically supported by a Ph.D. and research experience. Proficiency with data analysis software, remote sensing tools, and simulation models is commonly required, along with experience using programming languages such as Python or MATLAB. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are essential for conducting innovative research, interpreting complex planetary data, and contributing effectively to interdisciplinary scientific teams.

What are some common challenges faced by full time planetary scientists in their research projects?

Full Time Planetary Scientists often encounter challenges such as limited access to direct planetary samples, the need to interpret vast amounts of remote sensing data, and the complexities of collaborating across international teams and disciplines. Adapting to rapidly evolving technology and managing long-term projects—sometimes tied to space missions with strict timelines—can also be demanding. Overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication with engineers, data analysts, and fellow scientists.
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The most popular types of Planetary Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Planetary Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Planetary Scientist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Planetary Scientist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Planetary Scientist jobs are:

Full Time Planetary Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Planetary Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Sr Fiscal Services Tech

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$22.16 - $28.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 7 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Sr Fiscal Services Tech
Requisition ID
req37093
Working Title
Sr Fiscal Services Tech
Position Grade
11
Position Summary
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is seeking a Sr. Fiscal Services Tech to join our team. The position will require the Sr. Fiscal Services Tech to initiate, process and maintain a variety of complex fiscal budgetary transactions. The Department is composed of 15 faculty, research staff, graduate students, post doctoral scholars, three service centers and four laboratories.
The duties for this position include but are not limited to individual reimbursements, journal entries, internal and external billings, check deposits, credit card reports and tracking a variety of accounts both I&G and contract and grant related. Provide assistance to the department chair and faculty in the management of I&G funds and contract and grant funding to ensure compliance, expenditure control and adherence to University policy.
Individual hired will be expected to maintain confidentiality of appropriate records, contracts, documents, and data in compliance with Federal, State, and University regulations and policies. Assists in department problem solving and planning, and in the development and execution of goals and objectives.
****The final salary for this position is dependent upon total Education and Experience****
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to prepare reimbursements, journal entries, internal and external billing, deposits and credit card reports.
  • Experience working in Banner and MyReports (or similar financial systems) and preparing financial reports.
  • Ability to monitor revenue and expenses, expenditure control and compliance with reporting requirements.
  • Knowledge of procurement practices and working with complex fiscal issues.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State and University regulations and policies.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Earth and Planetary Sciences E PS (133B)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Regular - Full-Time
Term End Date
Status
Non-Exempt
Pay
Hourly: $22.16 to $28.85 (depending upon experience)
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
Temporary and on-call employees working an appointment percentage of 26 (.26 FTE) or greater, per quarter, will be eligible to earn retirement service credits and thus are required to make New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (NMERB) contributions. More information pertaining to your FTE and NMERB contributions can be reviewed on the NMERB Guidelines Clarified webpage.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
7/14/2026
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please include an updated Resume/UNMJobs application with a list of three supervisor references.
The University of New Mexico has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement for UNM students and employees. For detailed information, visit https://bringbackthepack.unm.edu/vaccine/vaccine-requirement.html
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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