Job Details

Flight Controller (Satellite Systems Engineer)

Position Number: 7083594
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Flight Controller (Satellite Systems Engineer)

Requisition Number: 71342
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 17-Apr-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking a Flight Controller II to support the operations of NASA and commercial spacecraft across a diverse range of scientific missions. LASP operates spacecraft and instruments spanning Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Solar Physics, Earth Atmosphere, and Climate research.

As a Flight Controller II, you will perform essential mission operations functions including real-time commanding, health and safety monitoring, subsystem performance analysis, and mission planning. You will contribute to testing, automation, documentation, and anomaly response while collaborating with engineers, scientists, software developers, and other operators.

This role is ideal for early-career professionals who have foundational space operations experience and are ready to expand their technical and leadership skills. You will receive mentorship from senior controllers while also helping train and certify student operators. Your work will directly support mission success from integration and test through routine flight operations.
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

Operations Execution

Support real-time commanding and monitoring of spacecraft and instruments.
Perform health and safety assessments and notify senior personnel of off-nominal conditions.
Lead detailed subsystem performance analyses with guidance from senior controllers.
Perform tactical mission planning activities.

Anomaly Response & Troubleshooting

Lead routine anomaly investigations under existing guidance and procedures.
Troubleshoot issues with ground or flight operations systems.
Respond appropriately to on-call pages based on training and procedures.

Documentation, Testing & Training

Create and maintain tactical documentation for routine operations.
Execute test activities on mission testbeds.
Support training and certification of student command controllers.
Contribute to the development of scripts and intermediate programming solutions to support automation and analysis.

Collaboration & Team Support

Work with cross-functional mission teams including operators, scientists, engineers, and software developers.
Provide input to improve operational methods and mission procedures.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Flight Director.

What You Should Know

This position requires participation in on-call rotations, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Occasional travel may be needed to support project activities.
Flexible work schedules may be available.

What We Can Offer

$90,000 - $115,000 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

BA/BS in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, or related field
Two years of spacecraft operations or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of basic to intermediate coding principles.
Experience with Atlassian tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
Ability to support off-hours operations.
Familiarity with LASP mission operations tools
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.

What You Will Need

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to prioritize tasks and self-motivate.

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 4/17/2026 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/Flight-Controller-Satellite-Systems-Engineer/71342