Lead Instrument System Engineer

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is looking for an experienced and qualified Lead Instrument Systems Engineer to lead and oversee the engineering development of the Extreme ultraviolet Stellar Characterization for Atmospheric Physics and Evolution (ESCAPE) instrument. The ESCAPE mission provides the first comprehensive study of the stellar EUV environments that control atmospheric mass-loss and determine the habitability of rocky exoplanets. CU-LASP is the mission prime and PI institution and supplies the science instrument along with project systems engineering to guide the mission design and development. ESCAPE is a NASA astrophysics Small Explorer mission planned for launch in late-2025. LASP also provides mission operations and science data processing services to the mission.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

LASP is a University of Colorado space research lab at the Boulder campus. As an Institute of CU-Boulder, LASP is at the international forefront of space science research in solar, planetary, atmospheric, and space plasma physics. LASP’s record of excellence in space instrument and spacecraft construction, mission operations, and science data analysis for Earth, planetary, and deep space missions is supported by organizational expertise in space-flight electronics, mechanisms, detectors, and optics across a wide spectral range, including sensors for energetic particle, dust, electric field, and magnetic field measurements.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Lead instrument system architecture, design, development, assembly, integration, test, and instrument characterization.
• Performs system-level trades and analyses.
• Lead requirements development and verification programs, including defining key capabilities and performance requirements.
• Coordinate technical contractual data deliverables.
• Coordinate milestone reviews and associated peer reviews.
• Manage technical resources (mass, power, data, pointing, time, etc.).
• Coordinate specialty engineering activities (contamination control, planetary protection, reliability analyses).
• Represent technical team in the risk management process.
• Lead and maintain project technical processes (configuration control, anomaly management, system safety, etc.).
• Support the development of mission design and instrument concept of operations.
• Ensure science needs are reflected in the mission-level requirements and documentation.
• Act at the technical point of contact for subcontracted elements.
• Work closely with the Project Manager and Principal Investigator to make high-level technical decisions and to implement a successful scientific investigation.
• Guide and lead the team in achieving the goals of the program including issue identification, resolution, and contingency planning.
• Performs technical planning, system integration, verification, and validation, evaluates alternatives including cost and risk, supportability and analyses for total systems.

What You Should Know

• Due to US Export Control restrictions, only US Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply.
• This job is contingent upon ESCAPE winning the NASA Astro-SMEX award, which NASA is anticipated to announce soon.
• Domestic travel may be required - approximately one trip per quarter prior to Flight System I&T with additional travel required to support.

What We Can Offer

• $119,000.00 to $187,000.00.
• This position is relocation eligible.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

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What We Require

• BA/BS in engineering or applied sciences.
• 10 years of systems engineering experience on NASA science missions (or other relevant technical experience on NASA missions may be considered).
• Experience integrating and testing science instruments.
• Experience with requirements management, interface control, and verifications & validation.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments with ESD sensitive hardware.
• Experience with configuration management, anomaly management, risk management, and system safety.

What You Will Need

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Outstanding teammate.
• Willingness to contribute where needed to get the job done.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Broad understanding of the measurement principles of space-based scientific instruments.
• Experience with environmental testing for space flight systems.
• Experience with DOORS.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

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. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

The position will remain open until filled.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu