Flight Director

University of Colorado

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Jetzt Bewerben

Über

Job Summary The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking a skilled and motivated Flight Director I to provide leadership in mission operations and ground system development for NASA and commercial spacecraft. This senior level position plays a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and successful execution of mission activities across LASP's diverse science portfolio, including astrophysics, planetary science, solar physics, Earth atmosphere, and climate missions. As a Flight Director I, you will lead the architecture, design, and implementation of complex operational systems and processes. You will own large subsystems or cross organizational projects, collaborate with mission leadership and stakeholders, and make critical decisions that directly impact mission success. This is a leadership path distinct from the Flight Controller IV technical specialist track, focusing instead on mission execution, coordination, planning, and operational governance. You will represent LASP at major project reviews, guide mission-level planning and staffing, support anomaly recovery, develop operational strategies, and help shape the direction of future mission operations capabilities. This role requires a proactive, thoughtful leader who excels in autonomy, systems-level thinking, communication, and cross-functional coordination. 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 Mission Leadership & Systems ArchitectureLead the architecture, design, and implementation of complex ground system components supporting pre-launch and post-launch operations. Develop mission operations concepts, processes, procedures, and operational strategies. Drive cross-organizational initiatives that influence mission performance, capability development, and team efficiency. Operations Execution & AnalysisLead detailed subsystem performance analysis and develop high-impact recommendations. Direct troubleshooting and recovery activities during mission anomalies. Contribute highly innovative solutions to complex technical problems. Ensure mission safety and ground system performance across mission phases. Program Management & CoordinationUnderstand mission needs across space and ground segments and how operations contributes to mission success. Generate and present materials for project-level reviews and customer interactions. Organize and lead mission coordination meetings. Manage mission schedules, staffing plans, workflow distribution, and progress reporting. Interface with project management on schedule, cost, and technical decisions related to operations systems. Standards, Training & DocumentationCreate and maintain mission-level documentation. Develop, enforce, and improve training programs, certification processes, and standard operating procedures. Lead testbed activities, commissioning planning, and verification of mission requirements. Support proposal development and design of end-to-end mission solutions. Team Building & Organizational ImpactEstablish and maintain strong internal and external working relationships. Train and certify Flight Controllers and student operators. Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding. Support strategic initiatives that enhance organizational capability, culture, and operational excellence. Other duties as assigned.
What You Should Know Participation in on-call rotations, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is required. Occasional travel may be necessary to support mission activities. Flexible work schedules may be available depending on mission needs. 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 $130,500 - $169,745 per year. 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. Be Statements Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder. What We Require BA/BS in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, or related technical field. Nine or more years of spacecraft operations experience or equivalent. Knowledge of intermediate coding principles. Proficiency in UNIX/Linux. Proficiency with Atlassian tools. Detailed understanding of OASIS-CC and working knowledge of CCSDS standards. Ability to develop specialized analysis tools and mission software. Ability to direct medium-sized development teams and coordinate cross-functional groups. Strong understanding of operational systems, network security, and IT security. What You Will Need Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prioritize, self-motivate, and motivate others. Ability to support off-hours and on-call operations. Strong interpersonal and intergroup collaboration skills. What We Would Like You to Have Experience with project management. Experience with systems engineering principles and practices. Ability to generate process diagrams or workflow models.
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 6/14/2026 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.

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Sprachkenntnisse

English

Hinweis für Nutzer

Dieses Stellenangebot stammt von einer Partnerplattform von TieTalent. Klick auf „Jetzt Bewerben”, um deine Bewerbung direkt auf deren Website einzureichen.

Jetzt Bewerben