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Space Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado

Electrical Assembler

Boulder, CO · On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and ...

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How much do space science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for space science in Colorado is $320,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $312,800.00 and $328,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is space science?

Space science is the study of everything in outer space, including planets, stars, galaxies, and the physics that governs them. It encompasses disciplines such as astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and space exploration. Professionals in this field use telescopes, satellites, and spacecraft to observe and analyze celestial phenomena. Space science helps us understand the origins of the universe, the possibility of life elsewhere, and the future of space exploration.

What Are Space Science Careers?

There are a wide variety of space science careers to choose from that involve all aspects of studying the earth, atmosphere, other planets, and the exploration of the universe. NASA provides many employment opportunities aside from becoming an astronaut. As a space scientist, you conduct research and studies in a specialty field such as biology, chemistry, meteorology, physics, geology, or even pharmacology, in which you use substances from space to develop new medications. Engineers have responsibilities including developing advanced technology such as satellites and the spacecraft that make space exploration possible. Specialties as an engineer include robotics, telecommunication, computers, avionics, instrumentation, and more. There are also technologists and technicians whose duties revolve around working with the engineer to test this technology.

What careers are in space science?

Careers in space science include roles such as astrophysicist, planetary scientist, aerospace engineer, and space mission analyst. These positions often require strong backgrounds in physics, astronomy, engineering, or related fields, along with skills in data analysis and familiarity with scientific tools and software. Many jobs are based at research institutions, government agencies like NASA, or private aerospace companies.

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

To thrive as a Space Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, astronomy, and often a Ph.D. in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, satellite instrumentation, programming languages like Python or MATLAB, and experience with telescopic and spacecraft systems are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective scientific communication are vital soft skills. These competencies enable Space Scientists to conduct meaningful research, interpret complex data, and collaborate on missions that advance our understanding of the universe.

What are the career options in space science?

Space science careers include roles such as astrophysicist, planetary scientist, aerospace engineer, mission analyst, and space technician. These positions often require strong backgrounds in physics, engineering, or astronomy, and may involve working with telescopes, spacecraft, or data analysis tools in research institutions, government agencies, or private aerospace companies.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of space science, senior roles such as aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, or senior research scientists working in government agencies or private aerospace companies can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $400,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by space scientists when working on research projects?

Space scientists often encounter challenges such as limited access to specialized equipment, strict project timelines, and the need to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across different organizations or countries. Additionally, securing funding for research and navigating the complexities of data analysis from space missions can be demanding. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and perseverance are important for overcoming these obstacles and successfully contributing to scientific advancements in the field.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In space science or related fields, high-paying roles such as satellite or spacecraft technicians, commercial drone operators, or sales specialists in aerospace equipment can sometimes earn around $10,000 monthly without a formal degree, often requiring specialized training, certifications, or experience. These roles typically involve technical skills, hands-on work, and industry-specific knowledge rather than traditional academic credentials.
More about Space Science jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Space Science jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Space Science jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Space Science jobs in Colorado? For Space Science jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Space Science jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Space Science jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Space Science jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Space Science job openings:
Space Science jobs near you
Senior Director for Science

Senior Director for Science

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Requisition Number:

72778

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

01-Aug-2026

Date Posted:

16-Jun-2026
Close All
Job Summary

Attention: This is a listing for visibility, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON THIS SITE. The University of Colorado has engaged Opus Partners to support the recruitment of the Senior Director for Science. Applications submitted here on the CU Boulder Job Site WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites nominations and applications for the newly created position of Senior Director for Science. The development of the position provides a unique opportunity to help define the future of one of the world's premier space research institutions.

As a key member of the laboratory's executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Director of LASP, the Senior Director for Science will shape LASP's long-term scientific vision, champion emerging research frontiers, cultivate scientific excellence across a multidisciplinary community, and help position the laboratory to lead the next generation of transformative discoveries and missions. 

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

Laboratory-Level Scientific Leadership

  • Foster a vibrant multi-disciplinary and inclusive scientific community of researchers within LASP's science division.
  • Provide strategic leadership for the scientific direction of LASP and advise the Director on all matters related to scientific institutional positioning.
  • Define, articulate, and implement LASP's long-term scientific vision.
  • Enable institutional strategy that ensures continued competitiveness in major research programs and space missions.
  • Guide the direction of major proposals, new research initiatives, and investment in capability development, including identification of LASP-internal leaders for these.
  • Oversee tenure-track faculty lines, including recruitment, retention, promotion, and salary structures, working with the Director.
  • Establish policies affecting the scientific workforce and oversee their implementation, such as hiring, evaluation, and promotion.
  • Make staffing decisions that provide leadership structure for the Science Division and oversight for LASP's faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and science students.
  • Facilitate cross-divisional collaboration across LASP's science, technical and operational teams.
  • Provide guidance to scientific teams facing leadership or organizational challenges.
  • Collaborate with divisional assistant directors to provide structures and policies that foster mentorship, growth, and career opportunities for LASP scientists.
  • Execute their own scientific research program with excellence.

External Scientific Leadership and Representation

  • Work closely with the Director to promote and advocate for LASP's scientific mission and programs, representing LASP science in interactions with university leadership, industry, federal agencies, and national and international scientific communities.
  • Strengthen LASP's leadership within the national and international space science community.
  • Shape national and international scientific agendas through leadership and participation in panels, advisory bodies, and public-facing communications.
  • Support the Director in serving as one of LASP's primary scientific representatives to NASA, NOAA, NSF, and federal agencies; National Academies panels and advisory bodies; international space agencies and global research partners; and commercial and philanthropic partners.
  • Promote the participation of LASP scientists in national and international leadership, identifying opportunities and providing mentoring.
  • Strengthen collaborations with CU Boulder departments, institutes, and external research organizations.

Plus other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know
  • Due to requirements governing access to export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) are eligible for hire.
What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this position is $263,000 to $300,000, plus moving allowance. The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, and ECO Pass.

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
  • Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., atmospheric science, planetary science, solar physics, space physics, or related fields).
  • An internationally recognized record of scientific achievement and research leadership.
  • Leadership of major research programs, mission science teams, or research organizations.
  • Demonstrated success in scientific leadership, mentorship, and team development.
  • 10+ years' experience with large interdisciplinary collaborations and complex research initiatives.
  • Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication of science at expert and layperson levels.
What You Will Need
  • Visionary scientific leadership.
  • A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
  • Strategic thinking and institutional perspective.
  • Commitment to mentoring and developing scientific talent.
  • Ability to represent LASP effectively across the national and international research landscape.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Scientific expertise in multiple of LASP's scientific and technical disciplines.
  • Prior experience in senior leadership roles within research institutes, universities, or space mission organizations.
  • Experience interacting with federal research agencies such as NASA, NOAA or NSF.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term scientific strategy.
  • Experience managing faculty or research scientist career-track systems.
  • Strong commitment to fostering a multi-disciplinary and inclusive scientific community.
Special Instructions

DO NOT APPLY ON THIS SITE.

The University of Colorado and LASP have engaged Opus Partners (www.opuspartners.net) to support the recruitment of the Senior Director for Science. Craig Smith, Managing Partner and Jeffrey Stafford, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Candidates should send their CV and letter of interest to jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net. Nominations, recommendations, and inquiries should go to the same address. Every effort will be made to ensure candidate confidentiality. Applications received by August 1, 2026, will receive full consideration. The search process is confidential.


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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