LASP Careers

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is hiring an undergraduate student to support an internally funded research project deploying AI/ML models on AMD Versal Edge AI hardware for future spaceflight applications.

State your experience with AI and FPGAs in your cover letter.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

o Set up and maintain the development environment on AMD Versal evaluation boards, including building and configuring embedded Linux (PetaLinux/Yocto)
o Work with the AMD Vitis AI toolchain to compile, quantize, and deploy neural network models to the Versal AI Engine
o Collaborate directly with LASP scientists to adapt and optimize their ML models to run within tight power and memory constraints
o Benchmark model performance (throughput, latency, power) and document results
o General lab work including bench testing, multimeters, oscilloscopes, debugging with logic analyzers, and hardware bring-up

What We Require

o School Experience: Completed or currently enrolled in CSCI 2400 Computer Systems or ECEN 2360 Programming Digital Systems or equivalent. ECEN 3350 Programming Digital Systems a big plus.
o GPA: 2.5 or higher
o Work Commitments: 15-20 hours/week during the academic year, with a full-time summer option

What We’d Like You to Have

o Experience configuring embedded Linux
o Experience with FPGAs
o Experience with VHDL or other HDL
o Knowledge of Data Structures
o Familiarity with Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch or TensorFlow)
o Awareness of Software Development Methods and Tools

What You Should Know

o 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.
o Onsite presence is required fully. Located on Boulder’s east campus.

What You Will Need

o Interest in embedded systems, FPGAs/SoCs, and/or spaceflight hardware
o Linux command line
o Ability to debug code and problem solve
o Good written and communication skills
o Great attention to detail
o Ability to work responsibly and reliably with minimal supervision

To Apply
This position is currently only open to CU Boulder undergraduate students. Please visit the job posting on Handshake to submit your application before the posting closes on 10/02/2026.

Pay Rate:
$20-26.00/hr

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.