Data Systems Team Lead
University of Colorado Boulder
Job Summary
LASP is seeking a person with team management and project management experience and a background in scientific software engineering and data processing to lead a team of 5-10 professionals who develop and operate software systems for science data processing and analysis for NASA space missions. As the manager of this team, you will guide an enthusiastic technical team supporting multiple NASA missions, and support technical work on one or more projects. The team is responsible for developing data analysis and visualization tools, implementing scientific processing algorithms, supporting instrument calibration, data processing and data analysis, maintaining existing systems, and disseminating scientific data. You will facilitate a sense of teamwork and a team culture that values creativity, commitment, empathy, work-life balance, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Our team collaborates with scientists, mission operators, engineers, students, and other colleagues and stakeholders. We are looking for applicants who communicate well with diverse teams and can collaborate with stakeholders across LASP, NASA, and the science community.
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
- Lead a team of software engineers and scientific programmers.
- Work with counterparts in Science and Engineering to manage project resources and schedules.
- Oversee the development and implementation of software for processing and analysis of scientific and engineering data from space science missions.
- Mentor and coach your team members, helping them succeed and grow their careers.
- Collaborate with other team leads to manage resources and schedules.
- Other duties as assigned.
What You Should Know
- Occasional travel may be necessary to support remote project meetings or conferences lasting up to 1 week at a time.
- A flexible hybrid work schedule is possible, but regular (weekly) on-site time is required to engage with the team and stakeholders.
- 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
- $160,000 - $ 226,000 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
What We Require
- BS/BA degree or higher in a physical or computer science or related field.
- 9 years of relevant work experience with a bachelor's degree; 7 years with a master's degree; 4 years with a PhD.
- Experience managing teams and retaining talent.
- Experience with scientific programming and/or software development.
- Experience with project and/or program management.
What You Will Need
- Ability to plan and guide development involving multiple projects and people.
- Experience working across teams to manage resources.
- Ability to define, design, and implement software systems and direct related work.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Knowledge of science data management and data processing.
- Experience in software engineering (e.g. Python, Java) and cloud (AWS).
- Experience working on NASA funded projects.
- Experience working with Atlassian tools.
- Experience writing and submitting project proposals.
Special Instructions
- 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 4/16/26 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.