Spacecraft Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) Lead Engineer

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/.

The EPS Lead is the responsible engineer for the spacecraft power subsystem and the electrical aspects of the solar-electric propulsion (SEP) system. This includes the li-ion battery, power conditioning and distribution electronics (PCDU/PCDE), high-voltage electric propulsion (EP) power electronics, and the solar array and solar array drive electrical interfaces. The EPS Lead directs a small team of power subsystem engineers and students, owns EPS verification and test execution during the AIT campaign, leads subsystem troubleshooting and anomaly resolution, and is responsible for delivering the power analysis products, operations tools, and documentation needed to fly the mission.

Required Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The applicant must be a hands-on engineer with strong electrical power system fundamentals and demonstrated experience taking spacecraft hardware through integration, test, and launch. The role requires sound engineering judgment, disciplined troubleshooting, clear communication with subsystem leads, systems engineering, mission operations, and international partners, and the ability to lead and mentor a small team.

Job Duties:

• Lead the electrical power subsystem team through spacecraft integration and test, launch, and early mission operations
• Serve as responsible engineer for the battery, power conditioning and distribution electronics, high-voltage electric propulsion power electronics, and solar array electrical interfaces
• Plan and execute subsystem functional and performance tests, and support system-level test campaigns, ground support equipment (GSE/EGSE) usage, and program level reviews
• Lead EPS troubleshooting and anomaly investigation and resolution during integration, test, and operations
• Finalize EPS command and telemetry definitions and develop EPS telemetry displays for integration, test, and operations
• Perform and oversee final pre-launch power analyses and high-fidelity power system simulations
• Develop and maintain operations power analysis tools and power models used for mission planning
• Author and maintain EPS user's manuals, operator's guides, flight rules, and other operations products
• Support mission simulations, launch operations, and cruise-phase operations as the EPS subject matter expert
• Maintain EPS requirements verification status, technical budgets, and subsystem documentation
• Mentor junior engineers and students, including team members from an international partner
• Communicate subsystem status, risks, and performance to spacecraft leadership and at program reviews
• Other Duties Assigned

• This position supports the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), a deep-space mission with launch expected in early 2028.
• The spacecraft is currently in the assembly, integration, and test phase, so this role will join the project at a critical point in mission development.
• The position involves collaboration with LASP teams as well as external vendors and international mission partners.
• Some travel and non-standard work hours may be required during major testing activities, mission simulations, launch, and early mission operations.

Annual Salary: $145,754.06 - $229,394.91

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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field and 9+ years of relevant spacecraft experience.
• Experience with spacecraft electrical power systems, including batteries, solar arrays, and power electronics
• Spacecraft assembly, integration, and test experience, including functional test execution and hardware troubleshooting
• Experience leading engineering tasks or small teams
• Strong written and verbal communication, including technical documentation and presentations at design and program reviews
• Team player, willing to contribute where needed to get the job done, yet also self-motivated with minimal supervision on tasks
• Willingness to travel and work with international partners
• Due to US Export Control restrictions, only US Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply

• Strong engineering judgment and the ability to make sound technical decisions in a fast-paced spacecraft development environment.
• A hands-on, solutions-oriented approach to troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and with international partners.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple technical activities while maintaining attention to detail and documentation.
• Ability to lead and mentor others while also working independently with minimal supervision

• Mission operations experience, including console operations, flight rule development, mission simulations, or flight anomaly response
• Experience with lithium-ion battery systems and photovoltaic power generation
• Experience with high-voltage power electronics or solar-electric propulsion systems
• Experience with spacecraft command and telemetry systems, ground support equipment, and test-like-you-fly test programs
• Experience developing power system models and analysis tools in MATLAB and/or Python
• Experience working with hardware vendors and contracted development partners