Flight Controller III; Mission Support Specialist

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking a highly skilled Flight Controller III (Mission Support Specialist) to support NASA and commercial spacecraft operations across a diverse portfolio of scientific missions. LASP operates small satellites, hosted payloads, and large flagship missions spanning Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Solar Physics, Earth Atmosphere, and Climate research.

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking a highly skilled Flight Controller III (Mission Support Specialist) to support NASA and commercial spacecraft operations across a diverse portfolio of scientific missions. LASP operates small satellites, hosted payloads, and large flagship missions spanning Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Solar Physics, Earth Atmosphere, and Climate research.

As a Flight Controller III, you will provide technical leadership in health and safety monitoring, mission planning, real‑time commanding, and detailed subsystem analysis. You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, operators, and software developers to design, test, and execute mission operations from integration and test through end‑of‑mission.

This is a mid‑to senior‑level role in which you are expected to support anomaly investigations, design operational tests, mentor team members, and serve in mission specialist roles. You will contribute directly to the success of current missions and help shape operational strategies for future programs.

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.

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: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• 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.