Apply on Employer Site

University of Colorado Boulder · 4 hours ago

Flight Controller III (Mission Support Specialist)

Boulder, CO

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$108K/yr - $140K/yr

5+ years exp

The University of Colorado Boulder is home to the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), which is seeking a highly skilled Flight Controller III (Mission Support Specialist) to support NASA and commercial spacecraft operations. The role involves providing technical leadership in mission planning, real-time commanding, and subsystem analysis while collaborating with various teams to ensure successful mission operations.

Universities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead detailed subsystem analysis and produce technical recommendations

Conduct real‑time commanding and monitoring of spacecraft and instruments

Lead troubleshooting and recovery efforts during mission anomalies

Perform complex programming tasks in automation, analysis, and scripting

Assist with training and certifying student command controllers

Provide training and mentorship to newer Flight Controllers

Create and maintain mission‑level documentation and approve tactical updates

Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for on‑call response

Lead strategic mission planning in support of flight operations

Perform mission specialist roles (e.g., lead planner, subsystem specialist, dynamics lead)

Contribute to the development and verification of requirements

Design and execute functional tests on mission testbeds

Support code walkthroughs, commissioning activities, and systems verification

Lead the development of ground systems supporting hosted payload programs

Serve as a Phase E Flight Director for small missions or instruments

Support broader strategic initiatives that advance LASP’s capabilities

Collaborate across teams to enhance operations concepts and methodologies

Perform other duties as assigned by mission leadership

Qualification

Spacecraft operationsCoding principlesLinux proficiencyAtlassian toolsMission planning softwareOrbital mechanicsSystems engineering principlesProject managementCommunicationMentoring skills

Required

BA/BS in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, or related field

Five years of spacecraft operations or equivalent experience

Strong understanding of intermediate coding principles

Proficiency in Linux

Proficiency with Atlassian tools

Ability to develop operational or analytical software tools

Demonstrated ability to lead small development teams

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to support off‑hours and on‑call operations

Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals may apply