Job Summary
We are looking for a Testbed and Simulation Engineer to join the
spacecraft test team for a deep space mission that will tour the
inner solar system and explore the main asteroid belt between Mars
and Jupiter. Launch is expected in early 2028.
You will develop behavioral hardware models and build the
software-only and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments that
the flight software, command and data handling, fault protection,
assembly/integration and test (AIT), and mission operations teams
rely on to validate spacecraft behavior.
This is a hands-on role that spans the full simulator stack:
embedded and Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) driver work, the
behavioral models themselves, and the infrastructure and pipelines
that deliver them. You will write C++ models and Python
orchestration at your desk, then deploy and test against EGSE
hardware in the lab.
This is an opportunity for the prospective new hire to learn about
spacecraft systems, test environments, and simulation environments.
We are looking for someone with the core skillset necessary to
contribute to development and maintenance of testbeds and
simulations. Emphasis is on software experience, hardware
experience, passion for hands-on laboratory assignments, and an
excitement to continue learning new things.
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
- Work with subsystem leads and system engineers to develop
simulation needs and designs.
Develop and maintain behavioral hardware models for spacecraft
subsystem simulators.
Build and support software-only (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop
(HIL) simulator environments.
Implement, verify, and validate simulation products, including
test procedures for requirement V&V and unit/integration
tests.
Integrate simulation environments with command-and-telemetry
and test data systems
Deploy, configure, and test embedded/EGSE systems.
Build and maintain containerized simulator environments,
delivering artifacts through CI/CD pipelines.
Support functional, performance, and mission-scenario testing
for partner teams.
Coordinate a small team of engineers to achieve common
goals.
Other duties as assigned.
What You Should Know
- Programs will require compliance with export control
restrictions, including EAR and ITAR.
- Onsite presence is required because of the hands-on laboratory
work necessary.
What We Can Offer
- The annual salary range for this position is $99,000 -
$156,700.
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
- Bachelor's degree in a physical science, engineering, or a
related field.
- ≥ 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Years of experience will be assessed against the needs of the
job. Years of experience will also be used to determine job level
and salary.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task and handle competing priorities.
- Due to requirements governing access to export-controlled data
and information, only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
(green card holders) may apply.
What You Will Need
- C and C++ development proficiency.
- Python and bash scripting proficiency.
- Fluency in Linux as a primary working environment.
- Ability to design hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) models.
- Comfort taking responsibility for the systems you deploy
(standing them up and configuring them sensibly to get work
done).
- Ability to develop multi-threaded applications.
- Solid grasp of inter-process communication and message-passing
frameworks (e.g., ZMQ, RabbitMQ).
- Engineering fundamentals sufficient to reason about and model
spacecraft subsystem behavior.
- Laboratory skills: using lab equipment (ADCs, DACs,
oscilloscopes, etc.), deploying software on lab hardware, and
working in lab or cleanroom environments with ESD-sensitive
hardware.
- Electronics: measurement techniques, Ohm’s law, reading
schematics.
- Familiarity with containerization tooling (Docker,
Podman).
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for delivering simulator
artifacts.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/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
October 14, 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
