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Planetary Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Lunar Outpost

Lead Mission Director

Arvada, CO

Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our ... Bachelor'sorMaster'sdegree with a major inEngineering,Physical Science, Mathematics, Physics ...

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Lead Mission Director

Arvada, CO · On-site

$187K - $235K/yr

Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our ... Bachelor's or Master's degree with a major in Engineering, Physical Science, Mathematics, Physics ...

Lunar Outpost

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Arvada, CO

$125K - $165K/yr

Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering,orMath discipline * 5+ years of professional ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr - Matl & Proc

Boulder, CO · On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical ... Experience in launch support, plume and return flux, planetary protection, space environmental ...

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Software Deputy

Arvada, CO · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our ... Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems ...

IonQ

Optical Bench Alignment Technician

Broomfield, CO · On-site

... science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved ... a planetary scale. If you have a strong sense of purpose, focus, urgency, and willingness to ...

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All JobsPlanetary Science JobsPlanetary Science Jobs in Colorado

Planetary Science information

See Colorado salary details

$25.8K

$50.9K

$83.1K

How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for planetary science in Colorado is $50,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $54,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or research areas that planetary scientists work on?

Planetary scientists commonly work on projects involving the study of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets both within our solar system and beyond. Their work may include analyzing data from space missions, simulating planetary environments, studying surface composition and atmospheric conditions, or investigating planetary formation and evolution. These projects often require close collaboration with astronomers, geologists, physicists, and engineers. Depending on your specific focus, you may spend your days in a lab, working with computer models, or participating in field studies to analog sites on Earth, offering a dynamic and varied work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Planetary Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Planetary Science, you need a strong background in physics, geology, astronomy, and data analysis, often supported by an advanced degree in a related scientific field. Familiarity with remote sensing technologies, laboratory instrumentation, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and experience with scientific data processing tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective written and verbal communication, and an aptitude for teamwork are essential soft skills. These competencies enable planetary scientists to conduct rigorous research, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and contribute valuable insights to our understanding of planetary bodies.

What can you do with a degree in planetary science?

A degree in planetary science prepares individuals for careers in research, space agencies, and academia, focusing on planetary geology, atmospheres, and celestial bodies. Graduates often work as planetary scientists, research analysts, or mission specialists, utilizing skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and scientific instrumentation. Advanced positions may require further education or specialized training in related fields.

Does NASA hire astrochemists?

NASA employs astrochemists as part of its planetary science and astrophysics research teams. These scientists study chemical processes in space environments and often hold advanced degrees in chemistry, astronomy, or related fields, with experience in laboratory analysis and data interpretation. Job opportunities typically require a strong background in scientific research and familiarity with space missions or telescopic data analysis.

What's the highest paying astronomy job?

In astronomy, senior research scientists, astrophysicists, and astronomer roles at government agencies or research institutions tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, strong research skills, and experience with data analysis tools and telescopes.

What is the salary of a Planetary Scientist?

The average salary of a planetary scientist in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000, while senior roles or those with advanced degrees and research experience can earn higher salaries. Many planetary scientists work for government agencies, research institutions, or universities, often requiring a Ph.D. in planetary science, astronomy, or a related field.

What is a Planetary Science job?

A Planetary Science job involves studying planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies to understand their composition, atmospheres, geology, and potential for life. Scientists in this field use data from telescopes, spacecraft, and lab experiments to analyze planetary systems. Careers in planetary science can be in academia, government agencies like NASA, or private space industries, focusing on research, exploration, and mission planning.

What are popular job titles related to Planetary Science jobs in Colorado? For Planetary Science jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Planetary Science jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Planetary Science jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Planetary Science jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Planetary Science job openings:
Planetary Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Planetary Science job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,884 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Simulation Flight Software Integration Engineer

Simulation Flight Software Integration Engineer

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Arvada, CO • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Simulation Flight Software Integration Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. As a Simulation Flight Software Integration Engineer, you will work to leverage software/hardware interfaces to connect high-fidelity simulations to our flight software for both software in the loop and hardware in the loop testing. You will work with the flight software teams to define and document these common interfaces and implement the simulation side of the interface. You will also share responsibility for maintaining proper versioning of the simulation and flight software.
Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!
Key Responsibilities:
  • Define and document interfaces between the flight software and the system simulator
  • Implement interfaces between the flight software and the system simulator
  • Communicate across teams to generate shared understanding of the interfaces
  • Own the versioning of the simulation and its compatibility with flight software versions
  • Develop unit tests to validate the interfaces
  • Develop integration tests to validate the interfaces
  • Work with the analysis and test engineers to ensure continuous testing of the interfaces

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related discipline
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related discipline
  • Experience in embedded C/C++ programming
  • Experience with Serial, IP, UPD, GPIO, SPI, I2C, etc.
  • Experience with Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs)
  • Experience with ROS2
  • Experience in Python and C++, ability to write reusable code
  • Experience with interface/API documentation
  • Experience with git, unit testing, and code coverage tracking
  • Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with NASA's Core Flight Software (cFS) and VxWorks
  • Experience with Google Test (gtest/gmock)
  • Understanding of physical systems and their models, e.g. Radio Systems, Thermal Systems, Vehicle Dynamics, Power Systems, image/camera models
  • Experience with Linux, Windows, and MacOS
  • Experience with Docker

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
  • Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
  • Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
  • Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
  • Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
  • Parental leave
  • Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.

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