Job Summary
The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is looking
for a Spacecraft Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) Lead Engineer,
also commonly known as a Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer, to join
the Spacecraft Team for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt
(EMA), a deep space mission that will tour the inner solar system
and explore the asteroid belt. Launch is expected in early
2028.
The EPS design is mature and flight hardware is in integration and
test. We are looking for an experienced engineer who can take
ownership of an established power subsystem and carry it through
spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AIT/I&T), launch,
and into mission operations. This mission builds on LASP’s growing
experience with deep-space missions, including its successful first
deep-space mission, the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM).
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
The EPS Lead is the responsible engineer for the spacecraft power
subsystem and the electrical aspects of the solar-electric
propulsion (SEP) system. This includes the li-ion battery, power
conditioning and distribution electronics (PCDU/PCDE), high-voltage
electric propulsion (EP) power electronics, and the solar array and
solar array drive electrical interfaces. The EPS Lead directs a
small team of power subsystem engineers and students, owns EPS
verification and test execution during the AIT campaign, leads
subsystem troubleshooting and anomaly resolution, and is
responsible for delivering the power analysis products, operations
tools, and documentation needed to fly the mission.
Required Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The applicant must be a hands-on engineer with strong electrical
power system fundamentals and demonstrated experience taking
spacecraft hardware through integration, test, and launch. The role
requires sound engineering judgment, disciplined troubleshooting,
clear communication with subsystem leads, systems engineering,
mission operations, and international partners, and the ability to
lead and mentor a small team.
Job Duties:
- Lead the electrical power subsystem team through spacecraft
integration and test, launch, and early mission operations
Serve as responsible engineer for the battery, power
conditioning and distribution electronics, high-voltage electric
propulsion power electronics, and solar array electrical
interfaces
Plan and execute subsystem functional and performance tests,
and support system-level test campaigns, ground support equipment
(GSE/EGSE) usage, and program level reviews
Lead EPS troubleshooting and anomaly investigation and
resolution during integration, test, and operations
Finalize EPS command and telemetry definitions and develop EPS
telemetry displays for integration, test, and operations
Perform and oversee final pre-launch power analyses and
high-fidelity power system simulations
Develop and maintain operations power analysis tools and power
models used for mission planning
Author and maintain EPS user’s manuals, operator’s guides,
flight rules, and other operations products
Support mission simulations, launch operations, and
cruise-phase operations as the EPS subject matter expert
Maintain EPS requirements verification status, technical
budgets, and subsystem documentation
Mentor junior engineers and students, including team members
from an international partner
Communicate subsystem status, risks, and performance to
spacecraft leadership and at program reviews
Other Duties Assigned
What You Should Know
- This position supports the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid
Belt (EMA), a deep-space mission with launch expected in early
2028.
- The spacecraft is currently in the assembly, integration, and
test phase, so this role will join the project at a critical point
in mission development.
- The position involves collaboration with LASP teams as well as
external vendors and international mission partners.
- Some travel and non-standard work hours may be required during
major testing activities, mission simulations, launch, and early
mission operations.
What We Can Offer
Annual Salary: $145,754.06 - $229,394.91
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 ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- BS in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a
related field and 9+ years of relevant spacecraft experience.
- Experience with spacecraft electrical power systems, including
batteries, solar arrays, and power electronics
- Spacecraft assembly, integration, and test experience,
including functional test execution and hardware
troubleshooting
- Experience leading engineering tasks or small teams
- Strong written and verbal communication, including technical
documentation and presentations at design and program reviews
- Team player, willing to contribute where needed to get the job
done, yet also self-motivated with minimal supervision on
tasks
- Willingness to travel and work with international partners
- Due to US Export Control restrictions, only US Citizens and
Permanent Residents may apply
What You Will Need
- Strong engineering judgment and the ability to make sound
technical decisions in a fast-paced spacecraft development
environment.
- A hands-on, solutions-oriented approach to troubleshooting and
resolving complex technical issues.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the
ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and with
international partners.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple technical
activities while maintaining attention to detail and
documentation.
- Ability to lead and mentor others while also working
independently with minimal supervision
What We Would Like You to Have
- Mission operations experience, including console operations,
flight rule development, mission simulations, or flight anomaly
response
- Experience with lithium-ion battery systems and photovoltaic
power generation
- Experience with high-voltage power electronics or
solar-electric propulsion systems
- Experience with spacecraft command and telemetry systems,
ground support equipment, and test-like-you-fly test programs
- Experience developing power system models and analysis tools in
MATLAB and/or Python
- Experience working with hardware vendors and contracted
development partners
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 10/1/2026 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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu