R&D Engineer/Scientist II, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory

Join the team behind NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully returned samples from asteroid Bennu to Earth for laboratory analysis.

The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) is seeking a skilled R&D Engineer/Scientist II to support post-mission science through quantitative spectral analysis, comparing remote-sensing data from OVIRS and MapCam instruments with laboratory spectra of returned samples to interpret surface composition and identify spectral variability.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Perform quantitative spectral analysis using data from OVIRS and MapCam instruments.
• Model spectral mixing and detect compositional variability across Bennu's surface.
• Collect and analyze analog mineral spectra.
• Co-register and visualize datasets using JAsteroid and ArcGIS.
• Contribute to mission data products and peer-reviewed publications.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of planetary science, remote sensing, and laboratory spectroscopy-advancing our understanding of asteroid composition and the early solar system.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Quantitative Spectral Analysis & Modeling:

• Conduct analysis of OVIRS and MapCam spectra to detect and quantify spectral features and variability (with emphasis on mottled boulder units); perform spectral-mixing and end-member modeling to quantify component contributions and interpret surface composition.
• Creating and testing of ray tracing, optical, and photometric modeling codes using MATLAB or Python and shell scripts.

Laboratory Measurements & Calibration:

• Acquire, measure, and curate laboratory and analog spectra (e.g., evaporites and other candidate end members); perform instrument calibration and cross-calibration between lab and flight datasets.
• Validate spectral interpretations against sample measurements.
• Apply engineering principles to develop and validate experiments that demonstrate how these tools inform and refine experimental design.

Data Integration, Co-registration & Visualization:

• Co-register and fuse OVIRS, MapCam, and sample-derived datasets.
• Develop visualizations and analysis tools using JAsteroid, ArcGIS, and mission software to support spatially resolved compositional interpretations, team decision-making, and validating hypotheses.

Mission Products, Documentation & Dissemination:

• Produce calibrated data products, documentation, and analyses for the mission archive.
• Prepare presentations and lead/co-author peer-reviewed publications communicating scientific results and methodology.

Science Operations Center Development:

• Assist with simulation and visualization of spacecraft instrument observations and testing of planning and graphical software.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of OSIRIS-REx instrument data and its applications
• Skill in using ArcGIS for geospatial analysis and data visualization

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.