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Full Time Planetary Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrolab

Lead FPGA Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$183K - $230K/yr

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

Astrolab

Staff FPGA Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$170K - $226K/yr

Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Jake Peery ... We are focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary ...

Astrolab

Principal GNC Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$180K - $235K/yr

Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To ... Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field

Astrolab

Lead Avionics Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$183K - $230K/yr

Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Jake Peery ... Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM related field; or an equivalent combination of education and ...

SAIC

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$132K - $171K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Mod/Sim Analyst Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Qualifications *  Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Optics, Planetary Science, Astronomy ...

US Department of the Army

Geologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$56K/yr

... science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology ... To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time ...

JPL

Project Schedule Analyst II

Pasadena, CA · On-site

... Earth Science and/or Planetary Science. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the ... The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $85,384 ...

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Full Time Planetary Scientist information

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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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What are the most commonly searched types of Planetary Scientist jobs?

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.

Lead FPGA Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$183K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Lead FPGA Engineer
Department: Avionics
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: Jake Peery
Compensation: $183,000 - $230,000 / year
Description
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity's presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
The Avionics team is responsible for all aspects of the electrical systems and hardware on Astrolab's electric rover vehicles and ground support equipment. We work collaboratively with all teams at Astrolab to provide exceptionally capable and reliable electronics to serve our missions.
The Lead FPGA Engineer will lead the FPGA Engineering group and participate in all aspects of the development and test of Avionics FPGA RTL designs for Astrolab rovers. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience in FPGA firmware development including RTL design, simulations, analysis, verification, and HW testing.
This position will report to the Director of Avionics Engineering and will be based in our Hawthorne, CA office.
What you'll do:
  • Own and define the vehicle system FPGA related architectures, standards, practices, processes, tools, etc.
  • Develop system digital computing architectures and requirements in collaboration with other engineering disciplines including defining HW/SW interfaces between fabric logic and processing subsystems.
  • Lead the FPGA Engineering team of 3+ people in the development and delivery of Astrolab FPGA RTL design and verification.
  • Support FPGA Engineering direct reports through their technical work, performance evaluations, and career growth.
  • Own unit level RTL development from blank sheet to flight for Microsemi, Xilinx, or other FPGA or SoC devices in either Verilog or VHDL.
  • Perform design verification including simulations, test benches, timing analysis, and hardware testing.
  • Lead design reviews, demonstrate requirement traceability, and create documentation for FPGA operation and interfacing with other SW and FPGA systems.
  • Lead and participate in test campaigns ranging from unit level manual tests, unit automated tests, and system level tests.

What you'll bring:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
  • 10+ years of experience in FPGA RTL architecture, development, verification, deployment, and maintenance.
  • 2+ years of team leadership experience as manager of direct reports.
  • Skilled at Verilog or VHDL.
  • Skilled in at least 1 scripting language (TCL, shell, Python, etc).
  • Skilled in verification techniques, and timing/stability analysis.
  • Proficiency in understanding PCB designs and reading schematics.
  • Proficiency in understanding embedded software.
  • Proficiency with AXI protocols (at least AXI4 family).
  • Knowledge of common bus and memory interfaces (DDR4, SPI, I2C, UART, etc).
  • Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Design for space environments including radiation impacts and mitigations.

What We Offer:
  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Fully flexible and remote friendly work environment
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

Apply