As the Planetary Data Officer with the Planetary Science Division (PSD), Science Mission Directorate (SMD), you will lead the PSD Data Services Program. You will be the division's authority for data ...
As the Planetary Data Officer with the Planetary Science Division (PSD), Science Mission Directorate (SMD), you will lead the PSD Data Services Program. You will be the division's authority for data ...
GIS Developer - (ADV000CO8)
Houston, TX · On-site
... science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science, or relevant science fields with applicable experience • Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary ...
GIS Developer - (ADV000CO8)
Houston, TX · On-site
... science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science, or relevant science fields with applicable experience • Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary ...
Lead Lunar Environments Scientist
Houston, TX · On-site
$125K - $250K/yr
S. in Physics, Engineering, Planetary Science, or a related technical field. * 5+ years of experience in fundamental planetary science research and/or applying planetary science knowledge to space ...
Quick apply
Lead Lunar Environments Scientist
Houston, TX · On-site
$125K - $250K/yr
S. in Physics, Engineering, Planetary Science, or a related technical field. * 5+ years of experience in fundamental planetary science research and/or applying planetary science knowledge to space ...
Research Associate
Austin, TX · On-site
$90K/yr
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration:
Research Associate
Austin, TX · On-site
$90K/yr
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration:
Senior Materials Scientist or Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$125K - $250K/yr
Contribute to materials selection, qualification, and the planetary science and engineering support for dust mitigation solution design, testing, and analysis for all exposed hardware. * Develop ...
Quick apply
Senior Materials Scientist or Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$125K - $250K/yr
Contribute to materials selection, qualification, and the planetary science and engineering support for dust mitigation solution design, testing, and analysis for all exposed hardware. * Develop ...
GIS Developer
Houston, TX · On-site
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience
Quick apply
GIS Developer
Houston, TX · On-site
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience
GIS Developer
Houston, TX · On-site +1
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience
GIS Developer
Houston, TX · On-site +1
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience
GIS Developer - (ADV000CO8)
Houston, TX · On-site +1
$100K - $150K/yr
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience
Quick apply
GIS Developer - (ADV000CO8)
Houston, TX · On-site +1
$100K - $150K/yr
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience
GIS Developer
Houston, TX · On-site
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience
GIS Developer
Houston, TX · On-site
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience
GIS Developer
Houston, TX · On-site +1
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5 years of work experience
GIS Developer
Houston, TX · On-site +1
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5 years of work experience
Materials Scientist or Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$110K - $150K/yr
Contribute to materials selection, qualification, and the planetary science and engineering support for dust mitigation solution design, testing, and analysis for all exposed hardware. * Develop ...
Quick apply
Materials Scientist or Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$110K - $150K/yr
Contribute to materials selection, qualification, and the planetary science and engineering support for dust mitigation solution design, testing, and analysis for all exposed hardware. * Develop ...
GIS Developer - (ADV000CO8)
Houston, TX · On-site
Masters ingeoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remotesensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicableexperience * 5+years of work experience
GIS Developer - (ADV000CO8)
Houston, TX · On-site
Masters ingeoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remotesensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicableexperience * 5+years of work experience
Description The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) seek to hire a Professor at ...
Description The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) seek to hire a Professor at ...
Optical Navigation Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$100K - $130K/yr
Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Optics, Physics, or related discipline. * Knowledge of optical navigation with expertise in at least one or more of the ...
Quick apply
Optical Navigation Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$100K - $130K/yr
Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Optics, Physics, or related discipline. * Knowledge of optical navigation with expertise in at least one or more of the ...
GIS Developer - (ADV000CO8)
Houston, TX · Remote
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience \n * 5+ years of work ...
GIS Developer - (ADV000CO8)
Houston, TX · Remote
Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience \n * 5+ years of work ...
Postdoctoral Researcher (Icy Ocean World Interiors)
Austin, TX · On-site
$65K/yr
Scientists and students at UTIG conduct expeditionary research in Earth Science in all parts of the world and are also involved in planetary missions and climate modeling. These research projects ...
Postdoctoral Researcher (Icy Ocean World Interiors)
Austin, TX · On-site
$65K/yr
Scientists and students at UTIG conduct expeditionary research in Earth Science in all parts of the world and are also involved in planetary missions and climate modeling. These research projects ...
Lunar Surface Systems Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$125K - $250K/yr
D. in Planetary Sciences, Space Resources, Spacecraft Systems Engineering, or related technical subject area. * Experience leading cross-functional system integration, interface management and ...
Quick apply
Lunar Surface Systems Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$125K - $250K/yr
D. in Planetary Sciences, Space Resources, Spacecraft Systems Engineering, or related technical subject area. * Experience leading cross-functional system integration, interface management and ...
Lunar Environment Modeling and Simulation Scientist
Houston, TX · On-site
$110K - $195K/yr
S. in Physics, Engineering, Planetary Science, or a related technical field. * 1+ years of experience in spacecraft charging, space environment effects, plasma interactions, environmental modeling ...
Quick apply
Lunar Environment Modeling and Simulation Scientist
Houston, TX · On-site
$110K - $195K/yr
S. in Physics, Engineering, Planetary Science, or a related technical field. * 1+ years of experience in spacecraft charging, space environment effects, plasma interactions, environmental modeling ...
Astronomy Tutor
Brownsville, TX · Remote
$40/hr
Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...
Astronomy Tutor
Brownsville, TX · Remote
$40/hr
Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...
Astronomy Tutor
Corpus Christi, TX · Remote
$40/hr
Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...
Astronomy Tutor
Corpus Christi, TX · Remote
$40/hr
Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...
Planetary Science information
See Texas salary details
$22.8K - $27.4K
2% of jobs
$27.4K - $32.1K
5% of jobs
$36.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$32.1K - $36.7K
20% of jobs
$36.7K - $41.3K
21% of jobs
The median wage is $41.6K / yr.
$41.3K - $45.9K
22% of jobs
$47.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$45.9K - $50.5K
16% of jobs
$50.5K - $55.1K
3% of jobs
$55.1K - $59.8K
5% of jobs
$59.8K - $64.4K
3% of jobs
$64.4K - $69K
1% of jobs
$69K - $73.6K
1% of jobs
$22.8K
$45.1K
$73.6K
How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?
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?
Does NASA hire astrochemists?
What's the highest paying astronomy job?
What is the salary of a Planetary Scientist?
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.

Space Scientist, AST - Planetary Studies (Direct Hire)
US National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationHouston, TX
$147K/yr
Other
Posted 3 days ago
Job description
NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.
To qualify for GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level:
- Developing and implementing long-term program planning efforts that support scientific or technological program activities, including the establishment and tracking of performance metrics;
- Developing and applying strategic concepts, integration plans, and program management frameworks to advance program goals;
- Using or developing, or leading teams using or developing, data systems and software tools for planetary science research and data product generation.
NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.Education:Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.
If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.
Degrees in engineering technology are not considered qualifying for this position.
Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.
Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.
Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.Employment Type: OTHER