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Planetary Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Interior

Geologist

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$118K/yr

... science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography. or * Combination of education and ...

Lunar Outpost

Lead Mission Director

Arvada, CO · On-site

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

Lunar Outpost

Simulation Analysis Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our ... Bachelor's Degree inPhysics, Computer Science, Data Science,Mathor related discipline * Experience ...

Lunar Outpost

Software Test Lead

Golden, CO · On-site

Job Summary : Lunar Outpost is an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles ... Required : • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field • ...

University of Colorado

Electrical Assembler

Boulder, CO · On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

... 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 ...

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

Simulation Test Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our ... Bachelors degree incomputer science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field * 0-3 years of ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 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.

Where does a Planetary Scientist work?

A Planetary Scientist typically works at research institutions, universities, government agencies such as space agencies, and observatories. They may also work in laboratories, field sites, or remotely analyze data from spacecraft and telescopes. Many roles require collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and proficiency with specialized tools and data analysis software.

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 planetary systems. 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 require advanced degrees in chemistry, physics, or astronomy, along with experience in laboratory analysis and data interpretation. Job opportunities are typically posted through NASA's official careers portal and may involve collaboration with research institutions and universities.

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
Geologist

Geologist

US Department of the Interior

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$118K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

319th of 692 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position is located with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Lakewood, Colorado.Qualifications:EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for Professional and Scientific Positions and Individual Occupational Requirements, Geologist Series 1350).Individual Occupational Requirements

Basic Requirements:

  1. Degree: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography.

    or

  2. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience or the equivalent, comparable to at least the GS-12 in the Federal Service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is in the area of Oil and gas, helium, or geothermal energy development on Federal land.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur in the same location within 90 days from the closing date.Education:
If you are qualifying based on your education, you MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education which shows the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATIONEmployment Type: OTHER

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