Job Details

Systems Engineer

Position Number: 7104475
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Systems Engineer

Requisition Number: 71496
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 27-Apr-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is looking for an early career Systems Engineer to join an asteroid exploration mission currently at the assembly, integration and test stage. The role will function as a member of the Mission Systems Engineering team and be relied upon to contribute to mission-level execution decisions for this interplanetary science mission. The successful candidate will be asked to contribute across a spectrum of engineering disciplines, including range and system safety program management, Monte Carlo trajectory analysis, solar electric propulsion operational margin management, interface management, configuration management and test engineering functions. This role will also contribute to mission operations after launch. The mission is being implemented in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates and international travel will occasionally be required.
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

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

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 students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

As a member of the MSE team, you will be relied upon to contribute across all shared aspects of the mission-level SE effort:

Prepare and present materials at gateway technical reviews
Contribute to mission-level implementation decisions
Contribute to the maintenance of the mission-level documentation
Act as technical liaison with internal and external customers and partners

In addition, this role will be primarily responsible for the following specific tasks within the mission SE portfolio:

Coordinate the system safety program, including launch site range safety
Provide supporting analysis and recommendations on operational margin management strategies
Manage the interface between the space segment and the ground segment
Support the integration and test team, acting as the responsible test engineer for flight hardware and ground support equipment
Other duties as assigned

What You Should Know

Due to requirements to access 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) may apply.
International travel will be required (~5%).

What We Can Offer

$98,120 - $117,794 annually.

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

BS or higher degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution
At least 3 years of systems engineering experience in an aerospace R&D environment
Understanding of established systems engineering practice as implemented by NASA, ESA, and INCOSE.
The knowledge of when not to rely on established systems engineering practice as implemented by NASA, ESA, and INCOSE.

What You Will Need

Knowledge of the complete space mission lifecycle and hands-on experience with at least part of that lifecycle
Commitment, reliability, and the willingness to contribute where needed to get the job done
A mission-level perspective of major aerospace projects and programs
Ability to function well in a team-based environment
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Ability to take personal responsibility for projects and work independently

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV.
Cover Letter.

(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 April 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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Systems-Engineer/71496