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Planetary Science Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Lunar Surface Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$110K - $195K/yr

Our engineering team combines expert knowledge of geological sciences, mechanical engineering ... Experience with planetary, soil, particulate, dust, or regolith simulant testing. * Experience ...

Geologist

Lufkin, TX · On-site

$74K/yr

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

Showing results 41-60

Planetary Science information

See Texas salary details

$22.8K

$45.1K

$73.6K

How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for planetary science in Texas is $45,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,900.00 and $48,400.00 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.

Are planetary scientists in demand?

Planetary scientists are in moderate demand, primarily in research institutions, government agencies, and space agencies like NASA and ESA. Employment opportunities depend on funding, project availability, and advanced skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and planetary geology, often requiring a Ph.D. and specialized training.

What qualifications do you need to be a planetary scientist?

To become a planetary scientist, a bachelor's degree in planetary science, astronomy, geology, physics, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for research roles. Strong analytical skills, experience with data analysis and modeling, and proficiency in scientific tools and software are also important for the job.

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 systems, celestial bodies, and space exploration. Graduates often work as planetary scientists, research analysts, or mission planners, utilizing skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and laboratory techniques. Advanced positions may require further education or specialized training, and familiarity with tools like telescopes and spacecraft data is common.

What is planetary science?

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 Texas? For Planetary Science jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Planetary Science jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Planetary Science jobs in Texas are:
Infographic showing various Planetary Science job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,084 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

$78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
Science Project Manager
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Hiring Department:
John A and Katherine G Jackson School of Geosciences
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jul 01, 2029
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
General Notes
The Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin is among the most well-established and well-regarded geoscience programs in the world. The school includes the University's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, one of the country's oldest geoscience departments, and two world-renowned research units, the Institute for Geophysics and the Bureau of Economic Geology. The school has more than 5,000 alumni, 400 graduate and undergraduate students, 120 tenure-track and research faculty members, 110 research staff and postdoctoral scientists, and 140 support staff. The Associate Dean for Research (ADR)'s Office is responsible for fostering an active research culture and promoting the formulation and implementation of major collaborative research initiatives and multi- and interdisciplinary research.
For more information about Jackson School of Geosciences please visit: https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/
BENEFITS: UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage at hire
  • Free Capital Metro bus rides
  • Retirement contributions
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website at https://hr.utexas.edu/ to learn more about the total benefits offered.
Purpose
This position will serve as Science Project Manager for the Jackson School of Geosciences' (JSG) Strategic Investment Programs (SIP). The SIPs are interdisciplinary research projects designed to bring together faculty and researchers from across JSG to tackle significant, societally relevant geoscience topics (for example, cascading geohazards; AI, earth resources, global change; and coastal processes). The SIPs, and this position, are funded through the office of the Associate Dean for Research for a three-year period. The successful Coordinator for these programs will provide essential support that will allow faculty to further develop the science underpinning SIP research. We anticipate several activities, including: developing strategies to leverage assets within the SIP projects and across JSG and UT Austin; disseminating research findings, opportunities, and key outcomes through the website and periodic newsletters; and identifying strategies and new opportunities for collaborating with other major international and national programs. The candidate will work closely with SIP leads and ADR office staff to ensure that updates and issues can be communicated and resolved effectively.
This position will be for 3 years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding.
Responsibilities
  • Strategic support - identify opportunities for cross-SIP, -JSG and -UT campus collaboration that will initiate new and leverage existing research activities.
  • Stakeholders/partners - assist with identifying and engaging (initial and continual) stakeholders and partners to ensure SIP research is relevant and impactful.
  • Publications - help coordinate development of white papers, articles, and other scientific publications.
  • Communications - assist with providing regular updates to the Jackson School community, partners, stakeholders, and funders. This may include periodic newsletters.
  • Advisory Board - assist with managing the members and organizing meetings.
  • Recruitment - assist with the logistics of recruiting early career researchers through the scholarship programs supported by the SIPs.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
M.Sc. in Earth science or related field, or a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related work experience. Experience in providing strategic direction for new research programs across geoscience disciplines. Ability to manage and assimilate results of research projects and disseminate them to professional peers. Demonstrated ability and interest to work within an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and economists in a dynamic environment. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal skills. Education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Earth science or related field. More than the minimum required years of experience. Willingness and ability to adapt to changing research priorities and project needs. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge in project management skills. Professional demeanor and good interpersonal skills.
Salary Range
$78,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
  • May work around standard office conditions
  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
  • Use of manual dexterity

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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