LASP Careers

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is a world-renowned space science research institute at the University of Colorado, Boulder on east campus.  The in-house engineering group supports the design and manufacture of space-based and suborbital instruments and small spacecraft for LASP and partner institutions. LASP has developed scientific instrumentation for twelve deep-space missions, fifteen Earth-orbiting missions, 200 sub-orbital rocket flights and over 20 airborne experiments.

LASP Undergraduate AETHER System Engineer Requirements and Job Description

The Atmospheric Electrodynamics probe for THERmal plasma (AETHER) instrument Systems Engineering team is looking for a junior- or senior-level student majoring in engineering, mathematics or a hard science to support the development of a plasma-sensing instrument for NASA’s Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission. The position will work under the mentorship of the Lead Systems Engineer to help develop and manage system requirements. The successful candidate will develop core systems engineering skills applicable to aerospace development projects.

The minimum commitment is through the summer of 2023 (starting spring semester and continuing through summer), working part-time (up to 20 hours/week) while classes are in session and full-time (40 hours/week) during the summer and other breaks in classes. There may be the opportunity to continue working with the project beyond this first commitment period. Many student research assistants at LASP have been hired as full-time professional engineers after graduation and this position provides the same possibility.

Job Duties: 

• Work with the design team to elicit and capture of system requirements
• Assist in the management of the AETHER requirements database in DOORS Next (an industry standard requirements management tool)
• Perform other systems engineering activities as requested by the Lead Systems Engineer

Required Qualifications:

• Current CU junior or senior majoring in engineering, mathematics, or a hard science
• Solid computer literacy and understanding of modern tools of information exchange (email, Microsoft Office products, etc.)
• Ability to self-manage, prioritize tasks, ask questions, and report on the status of work
• A desire to learn and a willingness to work
• Good attention to detail

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of any aspect of space mission development and flight hardware design
• Acquaintance with formal engineering requirements management
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (experience with Visual Basic for Applications a plus)

How to Apply:

LASP is a very good training site for future aerospace industry employment. Our students receive job offers from aerospace companies across the United States, many times receiving more than one employment opportunity in this field upon graduation.

Resumes for this position will be accepted until it is filled.

1. Please submit resume via e-mail (preferred) to: HRADS@lasp.colorado.edu.
2. Include any coursework or experience you have that directly relates.
3. Due to the requirement to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green cards), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or a temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply.
4. Please include your US citizenship status in your email.
5. Provide unofficial academic transcripts.

All final applicants being considered for employment are subject to background investigations including a criminal history check and when appropriate a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Colorado Boulder is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including veterans, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability.

Hourly Range:

$15.00-17.50 p/h