Flight Software Engineer (I, II, or III)

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) seeks a

Flight Software (FSW) Engineer to join its Flight Software

group. This position is open at three career levels (I, II, or

III) depending on qualifications and experience.

Flight Software Engineers at LASP design, develop, test, and

maintain embedded software used in spaceflight and ground-based

systems. Engineers collaborate closely with scientists and systems,

mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure flight software

meets mission requirements across the full lifecycle—from concept

and design through integration, verification, launch, and

operations.

The level of responsibility, technical leadership, and scope of

ownership increases with each level, as outlined below.

This position is contingent on a successful program

win.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all

applicable federal, state, and local laws governing

nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a

workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and

dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to

apply, including protected veterans and individuals with

disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at

the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human

understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring

and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling

the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth’s upper

atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the

solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and

space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search

for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation

through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We

employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and

students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore

novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of

expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations.

Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the

training of the future leaders of space research and helps the

University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical

and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative

technologies and continuing participation in new research

initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the

future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports

employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a

broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be

found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/ .

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Key Responsibilities by Level

Flight Software Engineer I (Entry Level)

At this level, engineers focus on learning LASP flight software

practices while contributing under close guidance.

Primary Focus:

• Assist with software design, development, testing, and

documentation

• Gain familiarity with embedded flight systems and development

workflows

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the FSW Lead in defining software modules and

interfaces

• Participate in requirements and detailed design reviews
• Implement software in accordance with established

standards

• Respond to software issues and anomalies under guidance
• Participate in code reviews, integration testing, and system

testing

• Assist with verification activities and documentation
• Work with Software Quality Assurance (SQA)
• Participate in software change control boards and reviews
• Other duties as assigned

Flight Software Engineer II (Intermediate Level)

Engineers at this level independently contribute to software

development while coordinating defined portions of a project.

Primary Focus:

• Own well-defined software components or subsystems
• Coordinate work with the FSW Lead and cross-disciplinary

teams

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in coordinating software requirements and architecture

to meet mission goals

• Define software modules in coordination with the FSW Lead
• Implement embedded software using real-time operating systems

and hardware interfaces

• Conduct code reviews and identify issues requiring

cross-discipline follow-up

• Participate in integration, system testing, and verification

activities

• Assist with impact assessments for defect fixes and minor

enhancements

• Participate in change control boards and reviews
• Assist with mentoring student employees and Flight Software

Engineer I staff

• Other duties as assigned

Flight Software Engineer III (Senior Level)

At this level, engineers provide technical leadership and ownership

of significant portions of the flight software system.

Primary Focus:

• Lead design and implementation for assigned subsystems
• Provide technical direction and mentoring

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead development of software requirements and design

architecture for assigned areas

• Contribute to overall system architecture and define software

module boundaries

• Produce design documentation for assigned components
• Implement software and lead cross-subsystem defect

investigations

• Develop test programs and lead component/software unit (CSC)

reviews

• Perform verification activities and coordinate closely with

SQA

• Contribute to software maintenance planning and operations

concepts

• Draft change summaries and support stakeholder reviews
• Guide student employees and support onboarding of new team

members

• Other duties as assigned

What You Should Know

• This position is contingent on a successful program win.
• Expected to be on-site.
• Work closely with FPGA developers.
• 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.

What We Can Offer

Level Determination

The level (I, II, or III) will be determined based on the selected

candidate’s education, experience, technical depth, and

demonstrated ability to perform work at the defined scope

.

• FSWE-I Range: $81,068.54 - $105,447.49
• FSWE-II Range: $98,122.59 - $127,630.04
• FSWE-III Range: $118,636.88 - $154,313.40
• Relocation assistance may be available.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are

committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our

employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,

dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition

assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local

transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder

offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class

outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through

the CU Advantage program.

What We Require

Minimum Qualifications by Level

Flight Software Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field
• 0–2 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree
• Basic familiarity with:
• Hardware/software interactions
• Digital logic and FPGAs
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Flight Software Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field
• 2–4 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 0–2

years with a master’s degree

• Experience with:
• Interrupt service routines
• Microprocessor architectures
• Real-time operating systems
• Hardware interfaces and low-level communication protocols
• Self-directed with strong written and verbal communication

skills

• Familiarity with hardware/software interactions, digital logic,

and FPGAs

Flight Software Engineer III

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field
• 5–8 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree; 3–6 years

with a master’s degree; or 0–3 years with a PhD

• Strong experience with:
• Real-time embedded systems
• Interrupt service routines and microprocessor

architectures

• Hardware interfaces and low-level communication protocols
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands,

and lead technical efforts

• Familiarity with hardware/software interactions, digital logic,

and FPGAs

What You Will Need

• Knowledge of the software development lifecycle.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-directed.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Familiarity with hardware/software interactions and digital

logic and FPGAs.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Resume or CV.
• Cover Letter.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: 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.

However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States,

please submit an English-translated version as an Optional

document.

Please apply by 3/23/26 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For

consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in

any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying

information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school

attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting

or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu