Departmental Overview

The UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is where exploration meets innovation. As the University's hub for space science research, SSL has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries for over six decades, building instruments that have traveled to every planet in our solar system and beyond, while training the next generation of space scientists.
Today, our Mission Operations Team plays a central role in operating multiple NASA science spacecraft and we're preparing for our most ambitious era yet. By the end of this year, SSL will simultaneously manage missions in Low Earth Orbit, Lunar Orbit, at Earth-Sun Lagrange points, and even Mars. Few places on Earth can match this level of complexity, scale, and scientific impact.

We're seeking a Ground Software & Systems Manager to lead the team that keeps it all running. This role is about more than systems and software-it's about enabling humanity's exploration of space. You'll oversee our ground operations technology, partner with NASA's TDRSS and Deep Space Network, and ensure that SSL's Mission Control stays ahead of the curve, even compared to new space companies. With access to Berkeley's own ground station and a team of engineers ready to learn from your leadership, you'll shape the software stack that drives world-class space science.

If you're excited by the idea of applying your expertise to safeguard multimillion-dollar missions, mentoring engineers, and building a best-in-class ground operations platform, SSL is where you can make your mark!

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: January 19, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities

Mission Operations and Ground Systems Engineering

• Ultimately responsible for maintaining both the hardware and software that connects the Berkeley Mission Operations Center to third-party ground station networks around the world.
• Supervises and maintains the Berkeley Ground Station facility (hardware and software).
• Advanced Software Programming (e.g., C, C++, Python, etc.)
• Performs the most complex and advanced software programming in the Mission Operations System at the Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL).
• Develops custom code unique to the SSL, or code that integrates SSL software tools with commercial or government-furnished tools.
• Oversees two-way encryption with space assets.

Systems Design and Development

• Designs, develops, modifies, and evaluates software and supporting hardware for functional areas that are highly complex and have broad, mission-wide impact.
• Helps maintain and evolve the multi-mission Mission Operations Center at SSL, as well as the Backup Mission Operations Center on the main campus.

Program and Partner Support

• Supports the flight mission's Program Manager, Systems Engineer, and Mission Operations leads at meetings with NASA and subcontractors as the lead presenter.
• Travels for troubleshooting of hardware and software systems as required.

NASA and Mission Collaboration

• Supports all NASA reviews and ongoing meetings with spacecraft partners (across all missions) as the subject matter expert on Mission Operations System ground systems.
• Responsible for supervising at least 2 FTE, including professional engineers, technicians, and students.

Technical Oversight and Compliance

• Works with spacecraft management to meet technical requirements within schedule and budget.
• Revises the design and verification as needed.
• Provides all design and verification data to NASA for integration with the spacecraft.

Required Qualifications

• Expert-level, system-architect knowledge of full-stack software design, development, and integration in real-time mission operations or comparable high-availability environments
• Proven leadership in resolving anomalies at the intersection of software, hardware, and systems integration in a real-time operational environment
• Experience leading operations where continuous availability (up-time) is a critical performance metric
• Experience with IT infrastructure management and architecture, including containers (e.g., Docker), virtualization, cloud vs. on-prem tradeoffs, and failover strategies
• Demonstrated ability to supervise technical staff, set work objectives, and manage project deliverables
• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the latest software and hardware advances in the field as a means to keep UCB SSL at a competitive edge in the industry.

Education/Training:

• Post-graduate level course work in related area preferred.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

• The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $190,000.00 - $238,000.00. The full pay scale for this job classification is $134,200.00 - $263,400.00. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
• This is an on-site position at the University of California, Berkeley - Space Sciences Laboratory.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Other Information

This is not a visa opportunity.