Flight Director

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.

Founded a decade before NASA, 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.

• Lead 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.

• Lead 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.

• Understand mission needs across space and ground segments and how operations contribute 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.

• Create 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.

• Establish 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.

• 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.

• $130,500 - $169,745 per year.
• Relocation assistance may be available.

As part of the University of Colorado Boulder, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for employees and dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. Additional perks and programs are…