University of Arizona
R&D Engineer/Scientist II, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
Overview
R&D Engineer/Scientist II, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory; Posting Number req24366; Department: Lunar and Planetary Laboratory; Location: Main Campus, Tucson, AZ USA. Position Highlights: 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! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here. Duties & Responsibilities
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. Minimum Qualifications
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. Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field of study FLSA
Exempt Full Time/Part Time
Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week
40 Job FTE
1.0 Work Calendar
Fiscal Job Category
Research Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay
DOE Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade
10 Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. Career Stream and Level
PC2 Job Family
Research Engineering Job Function
Research Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies
1 Target Hire Date
11/24/2025 Open Date
11/4/2025 Open Until Filled
Yes Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
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R&D Engineer/Scientist II, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory; Posting Number req24366; Department: Lunar and Planetary Laboratory; Location: Main Campus, Tucson, AZ USA. Position Highlights: 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! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here. Duties & Responsibilities
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. Minimum Qualifications
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. Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field of study FLSA
Exempt Full Time/Part Time
Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week
40 Job FTE
1.0 Work Calendar
Fiscal Job Category
Research Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay
DOE Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade
10 Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. Career Stream and Level
PC2 Job Family
Research Engineering Job Function
Research Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies
1 Target Hire Date
11/24/2025 Open Date
11/4/2025 Open Until Filled
Yes Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr