Job Summary
LASP is looking for a Senior Software Engineering Department
Manager to lead the 63-person department that delivers flight and
ground software for LASP's space missions and science instruments.
The department was recently formed from previously separate
software groups (flight software, operations software, data
systems, and web applications) to create a cohesive organization
that spans the mission lifecycle, uses common practices and tools,
unifies technical authority, and fosters technical interchange
across software disciplines.
You will lead the department through its functional leads, set its
technical direction, and own how LASP develops and verifies
software, bringing a mission-level perspective to LASP's software
strategy. You will report to the Deputy Director for Technology and
serve on the Technology Division leadership team.
This is a unique opportunity to shape a new part of the
organization, including its practices, its tools, and its culture,
while supporting missions that LASP builds and operates.
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 600 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 mission 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 ensure 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
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Lead the LASP Software Engineering Department through its
functional leads; develop them as technical and people managers.
Through them, oversee hiring, development, and evaluation of
engineers and student employees
Establish department-wide performance expectations and manage
outcomes; build a positive, productive, and healthy department
culture.
Set technical direction for flight software on instruments and
spacecraft and for mission ground software: command and control,
planning and scheduling, science data processing, telemetry
analysis and display, web applications, ground support equipment,
and simulation.
Own LASP's software development processes, tailored to each
mission's classification, sponsor, and scope.
Modernize how LASP designs, builds, and verifies software,
including responsible AI-assisted development.
Set software development strategy, roadmaps, and reuse plans
across LASP
Shape proposals and new missions with software approaches,
staffing, and cost inputs.
Partner with project managers, mission assurance, and
scientists in a matrix organization.
Other duties as assigned.
What You Should Know
- Many excellent candidates won't match every item in this
posting. If you meet many of the requirements and can see yourself
succeeding in this role, we encourage you to apply.
- 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.
- This role requires an onsite presence in Boulder, Colorado 3 to
5 days per week.
What We Can Offer
- Annual Salary: $213,500 - $265,000
- Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of
Forbes' America's Best
Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado
and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and
programs through the
CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a
related field.
- 12+ years of software engineering experience, including 6+ on
space mission embedded flight software or ground software (software
supporting mission operations and/or science data processing)
- 5+ years supervising software engineers, including hiring,
evaluating, and developing staff.
What You Will Need
- Experience as a software lead or software systems engineer on
space missions or instruments.
- Hands-on expertise in flight software or mission ground
software, and working knowledge of the other.
- Understanding of the space mission lifecycle, its milestone
reviews, and sponsor software standards such as NASA NPR
7150.2.
- Experience applying modern software practices, such as
continuous integration, automated testing, static analysis, and
incremental delivery within a milestone-driven lifecycle.
- Excellent communication skills with engineers, scientists,
project managers, and sponsors.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience managing managers or technical leads.
- Experience developing and delivering software through a full
mission cycle, from requirements through launch and
operations.
- A record of maturing engineering practices and standardizing
toolchains across teams.
- Experience in a science-driven organization.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
We may request references at a later time.
For consideration, please apply by
11/3/2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For
consideration, please apply 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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
