Job Details

Flight Software Engineer (I, II, or III)

Requisition Number: 70589
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 23-Mar-2026
Date Posted:

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.

Special Instructions


To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. 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.


To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Flight-Software-Engineer-I-II-or-III/70589







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