Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

Skip to content

AETHER Lead System Engineer

Requisition Number:

45549

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

19-Jan-2023
Close All

Job Summary

LASP is seeking a System Engineer to support development of space flight hardware. You will participate in development of the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) Atmospheric Electrodynamics probe for THERmal plasma (AETHER) instruments. AETHER will measure electron density and temperature from a constellation of Earth-orbiting satellites as part of NASA’s GDC mission. These measurements will be vital to GDC’s aim to understand the fundamental processes that govern the dynamic coupling between Earth’s magnetic field and our planet’s upper atmosphere.

This role is part of the Systems Engineering Group within the Systems Engineering Department. As a matrixed organization, this role works for the Project Manager programmatically, and reports to the group supervisor organizationally.

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 world-renowned space science research institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. CU receives more NASA funding than any public university in the country, due in large part to LASP programs. Professional engineers work closely with scientists and assembly technicians in designing and building space flight hardware while helping mentor students as entry-level engineers working on these programs. LASP is particularly proud of a work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for diverse experiences and a broad range of responsibilities.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Lead the AETHER systems engineering effort including (but not limited to):
    • Requirements development and verification programs.
    • Contractual data deliverables.
    • Milestone reviews and associated peer reviews.
    • AETHER system design, development, assembly, integration, test, and instrument characterization.
    • Technical resource management (mass, power, data, pointing, etc.).
    • Specialty Engineering (contamination control, planetary protection, reliability analyses).
    • Support Project Management in the risk management process.
    • Process maintenance and participation (configuration control, anomaly management, system safety, etc.).
    • Support the development of mission design and instrument concept of operations.
  • Ensure AETHER’s science needs are reflected in the mission-level and instrument-level requirements and documentation.
  • Coordinate the development of the Spacecraft-to-AETHER ICD, and the AETHER technical resource allocations.
  • Act at the point of contact for the Spacecraft technical team, and provide the PM technical support for the PMO.
  • Support the building and onboarding of the cross-discipline technical team.
  • Develop instrument integration and test (I&T) plans, help the PM to coordinate I&T activities, and provide System I&T support after instrument delivery to JPL.
  • Work closely with the AETHER Project Manager and Principle Investigator to make high-level technical decisions and to implement a successful science investigation.

What You Should Know

  • If you are selected for this position you will be required to pass a NASA background clearance for network and/or site access.
  • Due to US Export Control restrictions only US Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply.
  • All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement. New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $153,000-$200,000. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 200% matching for the first 5% contributed with immediate vesting. Relocation assistance is available per institute guidelines. 

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.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • At least 10 years Systems Engineering experience on space missions (other relevant technical experience on space missions may be considered).
  • Experience integrating and testing science instruments.
  • Able to work on NASA projects.
  • Ability to coordinate a diverse technical team to ensure system synthesis.
  • Strong interpersonal skills that promote and foster a positive work environment.
  • BS/BA or higher-level degree in engineering or applied sciences.

What You Will Need

  • Experience with requirements management, interface control, and verification & validation (V&V).
  • Experience working in cleanroom environments with ESD sensitive hardware.
  • Experience with configuration management, anomaly management, risk management, and system safety.
  • Strong written and verbal communication.
  • Team player, willing to contribute where needed to get the job done.
  • Domestic travel required (several week-long trips per year expected, but more may be necessary).

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Broad understanding of the measurement principles of space-based scientific instruments.
  • Experience with environmental testing for space systems.
  • Experience leading a technical team.
  • Experience integrating and testing science instruments.
  • Systems Engineering experience on NASA science missions (other relevant technical experience on NASA missions may be considered).

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.

This 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.


Select here for additional information regarding Classified Staff positions: https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/special-instructions-classified-staff-applicants

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu