Planetary Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking a highly skilled Flight Controller III (Mission Support Specialist) to support NASA and commercial spacecraft operations across a diverse portfolio of scientific missions. LASP operates small satellites, hosted payloads, and large flagship missions spanning Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Solar Physics, Earth Atmosphere, and Climate research.
As a Flight Controller III, you will provide technical leadership in health and safety monitoring, mission planning, real-time commanding, and detailed subsystem analysis. You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, operators, and software developers to design, test, and execute mission operations from integration and test through end-of-mission.
This is a mid-to senior-level role in which you are expected to support anomaly investigations, design operational tests, mentor team members, and serve in mission specialist roles. You will contribute directly to the success of current missions and help shape operational strategies for future programs.
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
Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.
LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.
LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/ .
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Operations & Mission Execution

• Lead flight software acceptance testing team
• Lead detailed subsystem analysis and produce technical recommendations.
• Conduct real-time commanding and monitoring of spacecraft and instruments.
• Lead troubleshooting and recovery efforts during mission anomalies.
• Perform complex programming tasks in automation, analysis, and scripting.

Training, Mentoring & Documentation

• Assist with training and certifying student command controllers.
• Provide training and mentorship to newer Flight Controllers.
• Create and maintain mission-level documentation and approve tactical updates.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for on-call response.

Mission Planning, Testing & Systems Support

• Lead strategic mission planning in support of flight operations.
• Perform mission specialist roles (e.g., lead planner, subsystem specialist, dynamics lead).
• Contribute to the development and verification of requirements.
• Design and execute functional tests on mission testbeds.
• Support code walkthroughs, commissioning activities, and systems verification.
• Lead the development of ground systems supporting hosted payload programs.
• Serve as a Phase E Flight Director for small missions or instruments.

Organizational Support

• Support broader strategic initiatives that advance LASP's capabilities.
• Collaborate across teams to enhance operations concepts and methodologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by mission leadership.

What You Should Know

• Some travel may be required for project or mission support.
• Flexible work schedules may be available depending on mission activities.
• Participation in on-call rotations, including nights, holidays, and weekends, is required.
• Due to requirements to access 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) may apply.

What We Can Offer

• $107,885.42 - $140,328.75 per year
• Relocation assistance may be available.

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

• BA/BS in engineering, physical sciences, computer science.
• Five years of spacecraft operations or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of intermediate coding principles.
• Previous experience in testing and validating flight software
• Proficiency in Linux.
• Proficiency with Atlassian tools.
• Ability to develop operational or analytical software tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small development teams.
• Ability to support off-hours and on-call operations.

What You Will Need

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience with mission planning software.
• Experience with orbital mechanics.
• Background in project management or systems engineering principles.

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.
Please apply by 6/14/2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
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.