Part-Time Electrical Engineer

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 96,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) seeks an experienced electronics engineer to augment our space instrument electronics team. The role focuses on developing both flight and ground electronics for diverse space missions, with emphasis on reliability and integration into larger systems.

You will collaborate across science and engineering teams, design electronic subsystems, perform part selection, and contribute to test setups and

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years experience in space flight and other high reliability electronics design.
• Knowledge of LASP production system process and standards
• Experience designing electronics for space environments (radiation, thermal, vibration, etc)
• Expert knowledge of PWB design techniques including materials, stack ups, and features such as impedance controlled traces and high bandwidth data bus design
• Proficiency using schematic capture tools like OrCAD or Altium
• Electrical subsystem integration, command and control topologies, and space science instrument architectures
• Experience using lab test equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies
• U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals may apply.

Responsibilities

• Support scientists and full-time engineering team through the development of next generation space instrument electronics
• Consult with instrument scientists and engineers to convert measurement objectives into hardware design requirements
• Develop electronic subsystems for detector readout, power distribution, data processing, and instrument control
• Perform EEE part selection and derating to meet project environmental requirements
• Develop and build test GSE
• Design and develop documentation for the assembly and test of PWBA
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Spaceflight electronics

PWB design

Schematic capture

High-speed data buses

Radiation/thermal design

Subcontractor management

Lab testing

Security/compliance

Tools

OrCAD

Altium

Oscilloscopes

Function generators

Power supplies

Job description

Job Summary

LASP's Electrical Engineering Department develops flight and groundelectronics for scientific instruments and spacecraft acrossplanetary, lunar, heliophysics, astrophysics, and Earth-sciencemissions. Engineers work across mission classes and collaboratewith systems, software, mechanical, thermal, science, quality,parts, radiation, manufacturing, and program-managementteams.

This is an hourly position where you will be used to augment LASP'sfull time professional staff's capacity by supporting a variety ofour technology development programs including rocket missions,technology demonstrators, and small satellites.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric andSpace Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder isrevolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeplycommitted to inspiring and educating the next generation of spaceexplorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurementsof Earth’s upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of everyplanet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar,planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, andthe search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generationthrough research, innovation, and education in space sciences. Weemploy over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, andstudents that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explorenovel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism ofexpertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations.Through research projects, LASP participates actively in thetraining of the future leaders of space research and helps theUniversity of Colorado to educate students with valued technicaland scientific skills. Development and use of innovativetechnologies and continuing participation in new researchinitiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into thefuture. LASP is proud of our work environment that supportsemployee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for abroad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can befound here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Support scientists and full-time engineering team through thedevelopment of next generation space instrument electronics
• Consult with instrument scientists and engineers to convertmeasurement objectives into hardware design requirements
• Develop electronic subsystems for detector readout, powerdistribution, data processing, and instrument control
• Perform EEE part selection and derating to meet projectenvironmental requirements
• Develop and build test GSE
• Design and develop documentation for the assembly and test ofprinted wire board assemblies (PWBA)
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• This position will regularly handle export controlled and otherCUI level information.
• Due to the nature of spaceflight hardware development, presenceon-site is regularly required during system test and debuggingphases

What We Can Offer

Hourly Rate: $70 - $91

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's BestLarge Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Coloradoand #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Minimum 20 years experience in space flight and other highreliability electronics design
• Knowledge of LASP production system process and standards
• Experience designing electronics for space environments(radiation, thermal, vibration, etc)
• Expert knowledge of PxWB design techniques including materials,stack ups, and features such as impedance controlled traces andhigh bandwidth data bus design
• High proficiency using schematic capture tools like OrCAD orAltium
• Expert level understanding of electrical subsystem integration,command and control topologies, and space science instrumentarchitectures
• Experience using typical electrical lab test equipment such asoscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies
• Due to requirements to access export-controlled data andinformation, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (greencard holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., personsdesignated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident underamnesty provisions) may apply.

What You Will Need

• Expert level proficiency in either digital or analogelectronics design with working apprentice level knowledge of theother
• Experience designing with BGA and CCGA FPGAs, DDR3/4 memory,and NAND and MRAM storage devices
• Experience debugging high speed and bi-directional databusses
• Experience managing subcontractor efforts for PWB fabricationand electronics assembly
• Motivation to work collaboratively on one or moreinterdisciplinary teams
• Willingness to work in laboratory/ ESD controlled settings
• Experience in assembly and rework of PWBAs and ability toperform high-quality electrical rework independently.
• A self-starter and self-motivated attitude inspired byexploration and pursuit of new discovery.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by September 24, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted viaemail. For consideration, please apply through CU BoulderJobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, inany materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifyinginformation such as age, date of birth, or dates of schoolattendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redactingor removing this information.