Job Details

Flight Controller IV (Satellite Systems Engineer)

Position Number: 6861167
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Flight Controller IV (Satellite Systems Engineer)

Requisition Number: 69523
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 16-Feb-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking an experienced and technically exceptional Flight Controller IV (Mission Support Specialist) to provide senior-level leadership in the design, development, verification, and execution of mission operations for NASA and commercial spacecraft. This role supports missions ranging from small hosted payloads to large, long-duration flagship programs across Astrophysics, Planetary, Solar, Earth Atmospheric, and Climate science.

As a Flight Controller IV at LASP, you will serve as a technical authority for major ground-system capabilities and mission-critical operational functions. You will architect new strategies, design complex operational systems, lead anomaly resolution, and guide mission-level planning from integration and test through full science operations. Working with scientists, engineers, software developers, and mission leadership, you will help shape the technical direction of current and future spaceflight programs.

This senior-level role requires exceptional technical depth, strategic thinking, independent decision-making, and the ability to define and implement solutions in areas where requirements are broad, evolving, or undefined. You will positively influence team culture, mentor other operators, and actively contribute to the development of advanced operational tools, frameworks, and best practices.

LASP values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. As a member of our team, you will help deliver the next generation of scientific insights from space.
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

Mission & Technical Leadership

Lead the design, implementation, and verification of complex subsystems within the ground system.
Lead one or more mission operations subsystems such as, planning & scheduling, command management, or telemetry processing and analysis.
Work with science and engineering teams to define operational concepts that meet mission requirements while ensuring adherence to flight rules.

Operations Execution & Analysis

Lead detailed subsystem performance analysis and recommend strategic improvements.
Direct investigation and recovery of complex mission anomalies affecting spacecraft, instruments, or ground systems.
Lead strategic mission planning and guide tactical planning performed by other team members.
Validate system performance from pre-launch through end-of-mission.
Develop and validate commissioning activities for new missions and instruments.

Systems Engineering & Ground System Development

Architect new mission capabilities, tools, processes, and automation frameworks.
Design test activities for mission testbeds and support code walkthroughs and verification events.
Contribute to requirements development and verification planning.
Create and maintain mission-level and subsystem-level documentation.
Approve and release updates to tactical and strategic operations documentation.

Organizational Impact & Leadership

Provide technical leadership for development teams or project groups.
Mentor Flight Controllers, students, and junior personnel.
Represent LASP at key meetings, project reviews, and customer interactions.
Contribute to organizational initiatives that improve efficiency, capability, and team culture.
Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new team members.

Operations Support

Support on-call operations during nights, holidays, and weekends as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Flight Director.

What You Should Know

Occasional travel may be required to support project activities.
Flexible work schedules may be available depending on mission needs.

What We Can Offer

Salary ranges will follow LASP's established compensation structure for senior-level PRA positions, aligned with experience and internal equity.

Flight Controller IV salary range: $130,500.57 - $169,744.74.
Relocation assistance may be available.

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 technical field.
Nine or more years of spacecraft operations or equivalent experience.
Proficiency in Linux environments.
Proficiency with Atlassian tools (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket, etc.).
Strong knowledge of intermediate coding principles and experience developing software for specialized analysis or operational tooling.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects, direct small teams, and independently execute broadly defined objectives.
Ability to perform in a mission specialist role (flight dynamics, test lead, subsystem specialist, etc.).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to support off-hours and on-call operations as required.
Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals may apply.

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 February 1, 2026, for full consideration. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if needed.

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-IV-Satellite-Systems-Engineer/69523