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Planetary Scientist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado

Research Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$86K - $94K/yr

... Scientist to join our dynamic and collaborative community. LASP values a culture of curiosity ... planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of ...

SAIC

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Optics, Planetary Science, Astronomy, Pphysics, Engineering, or Math, or related field and 14 or more years 14 or more with a Masters, 9 or more with a PhD) of ...

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Planetary Scientist information

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$38.9K

$95.6K

$168.2K

How much do planetary scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for planetary scientist in Colorado is $95,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a planetary scientist?

A Planetary Scientist studies planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies to understand their composition, atmospheres, geology, and potential for life. They use data from telescopes, spacecraft, and simulations to analyze planetary systems. Their work helps answer fundamental questions about the formation and evolution of planets, both in our solar system and beyond. Planetary scientists often collaborate with space agencies like NASA or ESA and may work in research institutions, universities, or private space companies.

What are the typical daily tasks and work environment for a planetary scientist?

Planetary Scientists generally split their time between analyzing data from spacecraft or telescopes, conducting computer simulations, and writing research reports or academic papers. Many work within academic institutions, research centers, or government agencies and collaborate regularly with other scientists and engineers on multi-disciplinary projects. Fieldwork may occasionally be involved, such as collecting meteorite samples or participating in workshops and conferences. The role requires both independent research and teamwork, offering a dynamic environment for those who enjoy both detailed analysis and collaborative discovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a planetary scientist, and why are they important?

A Planetary Scientist typically holds an advanced degree in planetary science, astronomy, geology, or a related field, with strong analytical, research, and quantitative skills. Familiarity with scientific programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), remote sensing tools, planetary data analysis software, and possibly experience operating telescopes or spacecraft data systems is common. Standout soft skills include effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities to collaborate on research and present findings. These competencies are crucial for conducting rigorous research, advancing scientific knowledge, and contributing to collaborative projects in the field.

Are planetary scientists in demand?

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

Do you need a PhD to be a planetary scientist?

A PhD is typically required to become a planetary scientist, especially for research, academic, or advanced positions. Bachelor's and master's degrees can qualify individuals for entry-level roles or technical positions, but a PhD is often necessary for independent research and higher-level responsibilities.

What do you do as a planetary scientist?

A planetary scientist studies planets, moons, and other celestial bodies to understand their composition, geology, and atmospheres. They analyze data from telescopes, space missions, and laboratory experiments, often using specialized software and scientific methods to conduct research and contribute to our knowledge of the solar system and beyond.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planetary Scientist jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Planetary Scientist jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Planetary Scientist jobs in Colorado?

For Planetary Scientist jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Planetary Scientist jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Planetary Scientist jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Planetary Scientist jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Planetary Scientist job openings:

Planetary Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Planetary Scientist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,647 per year, or $46 per hour.

Planetary Science Researcher

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO • On-site

$86K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Requisition Number:

74434

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

27-Aug-2026

Date Posted:

25-Aug-2026
Close All
Job Summary

Perform planetary science research and project science management in support of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid belt and develop an externally funded independent research program.

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

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is one of the largest research institutes of CU Boulder, the #1 public university recipient of NASA research grants, and one of America's leading aerospace universities. With a focus on solar, stellar, space plasma, atmospheric, and planetary sciences, LASP employs both experimental and theoretical approaches to answer key science questions. Since its inception in 1948, LASP has developed, operated, and analyzed the data from scientific instrumentation for solar science, earth atmospheric, planetary, deep-space, and Earth-orbiting spacecraft missions investigating the Sun, all eight planets, Pluto and beyond. The progressive development of research capabilities and use of innovative technologies in pursuit of emerging research initiatives ensures a continued leadership role for LASP in today's growing "new space" era. Since 2013, LASP has secured over $1.75B in grants and contracts.

Thanks to its distinctive combination of scientific and engineering expertise and its ability both to manage long-term collaborations with agencies such as NASA and to respond to faster-moving opportunities with private sponsors, LASP has grown rapidly in the last decade, with expenditures that exceed well over $150M annually, secured through grants, contracts, and other funding vehicles. Some 400 of LASP's 600-person staff are technical staff and research scientists. The LASP community includes tenure/tenure-track faculty, approximately 110 student employees, 69 graduate students, and 10 postdocs.

An important element of LASP's mission is to train the next generation of space scientists and engineers: through wide-ranging research and flight projects, LASP participates actively in the development of the future leaders of space research and is a leader in educating students with highly valued technical and scientific skills. Undergraduate and graduate student participation is integral to LASP's R&D and operational success. In this regard, LASP has been both a contributor to and beneficiary of the remarkable growth of the state of Colorado's space sector.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
  • Support the Project Scientist (Prof. Paul Hayne) as an interface to the instrument teams and Mission Systems Engineering (MSE) team.
  • Interface with engineering team (through Prof. Jay McMahon) to develop and test software for asteroid shape modeling based on planned navigation products.
  • Support the development of Scarabaeus software package for EMA navigation.
  • Undertake an active research program in planetary science, seeking external funding from NASA and/or other federal agencies.
  • Other duties as assigned. 
What You Should Know
  • Onsite presence is expected 5 days per week, including regular meetings at LASP's SPSC, LSTB, ARL, and Park Place buildings.
  • Optional travel to the UAE and Japan will take place in 2027 and 2028.
What We Can Offer
$86,800 - $94,300 per year.
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
  • PhD in planetary science or related field, with a track record of publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
What You Will Need
  • Experience working with scientists and engineers as part of a robotic space mission.
  • Computer modeling and data analysis expertise, including reduction of data from remote sensing instruments on planetary spacecraft.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • At least one year of postdoctoral experience.
  • Expertise in image processing.
Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. Resume or CV.
  2. Cover Letter.
  3. Reference Letter (Not Confidential)

(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 8/27/2026 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.

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