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Space Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Space Systems Architect

Peterson, IA ยท On-site

$229K/yr

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. * Analytical ...

Deep knowledge of life science including cells, genetics, and ecosystems, earth science including plate tectonics, weather, and space, physical science including forces, energy, and chemical ...

Middle School Science Tutor

Ames, IA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of life science including cells, genetics, and ecosystems, earth science including plate tectonics, weather, and space, physical science including forces, energy, and chemical ...

Elementary School Science Tutor

Ames, IA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... and space concepts. Adapts instruction using hands-on activities, picture books, and nature ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Space Command (USSPACECOM) as a Joint Operations Center (JOC) Training SME. An active TS/SCI ... KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Space Systems Engineering (Applied Physics) * Computer Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Curriculum Listing: * Naval Construction and Engineering * Nuclear Engineering ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Space Systems Engineering (Applied Physics) * Computer Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Curriculum Listing: * Naval Construction and Engineering * Nuclear Engineering ...

Space Systems Engineering (Applied Physics) * Computer Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Curriculum Listing: * Naval Construction and Engineering * Nuclear Engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Space Science information

See Iowa salary details

$271.9K

$286.5K

$299.6K

How much do space science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for space science in Iowa is $286,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $279,400.00 and $293,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

In the field of space science, most high-paying roles typically require advanced degrees; however, some related professions such as commercial drone pilots, aerospace technicians with specialized skills, or sales managers in aerospace companies can reach or exceed $200,000 annually through experience, certifications, and performance. These roles often emphasize technical skills, industry knowledge, and certifications over formal degrees.

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.

Does NASA hire astrochemists?

NASA employs astrochemists as part of its scientific research teams to study chemical processes in space, such as in interstellar clouds and planetary atmospheres. These roles typically require advanced degrees in chemistry, physics, or astronomy, along with experience in laboratory analysis and data interpretation. Astrochemists at NASA often work on research projects, data analysis, and developing models related to space chemistry.

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.

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?

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 tools like telescopes and simulation software.

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 categories do people searching Space Science jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Space Science jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Space Science job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $286,476 per year, or $137.7 per hour.

Space Systems Architect

Caeus

Peterson, IA โ€ข On-site

$229K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:

  • CAE Vision:Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by revolutionizing our customers' training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety,efficiencyand readiness.
  • CAE Defense & Security Mission:CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop andmaintainthe highest levels of mission readiness.
  • CAE Values:Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence,IntegrityandOneCAEmake us who weareand we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer:

  • Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance
  • A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe
  • Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions
  • Recognition, professional development, advancement and having fun!

Summary

The Space System Architect possesses knowledge of space, ground, and payload segments and interoperability of these assets across Radio Frequency, software, network, and hardware components. Serves as technical leadership for the Engineering team by functioning as a technical advisor providing specialized advice of an advanced technological nature for solving broad technical problems. Interfaces with all stakeholders (internal and customer) to ensure the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total training solutions that satisfy technical, schedule and cost constraints. Performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detailed trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications. Serves as Technical Lead assisting Marketing and Business Development in the pursuit of and capture of new business opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Leads the technical solution activities and be the overall design authority during the Capture and Execution phase of a program.
  • Defines the overall architecture for satellite systems training simulators
  • Authors and coordinates technical content for proposals
  • Analyzes the system to ensure that it will meet the stated performance requirements (e.g. satellite operations functions, procedures, power, timing, human factors, throughput, etc.)
  • Adept in analyzing and developing interface control documents to manage how systems and sub-systems (e.g., space and ground systems) interact
  • Ensures the system architecture adheres to security, interoperability, and performance standards, plus cost targets
  • Selects the appropriate technologies and tools that best meet system requirements, considering IRAD, future scalability, sustainability, and cost
  • Provides system-level decision making regarding trade-offs (e.g. cost vs performance)
  • Creates and maintains the product line roadmap in compliance with the technology roadmap, reference architectures and functional product roadmaps
  • Assist in coordination of new technology investment and insertion into product line based on customer needs
  • Identify risk and cost driving design issues to support the Solution Development, Project Planning, Monitoring & Control and Risk Management processes.
  • Works closely with program, product and functional management to guide technical direction and ensure that the training system meets schedule and cost requirements.
  • Utilizes Modeling Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to create, document and reuse designs
  • Represents CAE USA at industry technical forums and customer oral presentations.
  • Stays current in industry advances. Research new simulation methods, technologies and system architectures.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

BS in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Computer, Electrical, Systems, Mechanical or Advanced degree preferred.

  • Must possess a minimum of 12 years in systems engineering or architecture with experience in space systems including space, ground, and payload segments.
  • Ability to perform requirements analysis and translate customer high level requirements into derived requirements, create systems solutions, and conceptual designs.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, technical specifications, proposals, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from senior management, peers, and customers.
  • Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Analytical math skills necessary to complete the required tasks.

Preferred Skills

  • Direct modeling, simulation and training experience in space, ground, and payload segments
  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) utilizing Cameo and/or Rhapsody
  • Experience in modeling languages and tools including Python and MATLAB
  • Experience with the development of industry standards in a collaborative environment of industry leaders
  • Experience with virtualization and containerization of software applications

Security Responsibilities

Mustcomplywithall company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.

  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.

Work Environment

  • Duties performed in an office environment and manufacturing facility.
  • Must be able to work overtime on andoff-shiftsasrequired.
  • The employee is on call 24x7 for the resolution of problems and issues.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs. to various height

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you needassistancetosubmityour application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com

About CAE

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position TypeRegularEqual Opportunity Employer

CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process.If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com.

Data Privacy

Privacy Statement | CAE

As part of our process, we may use AIsupported tools to help review applications, with human decisionmaking at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.