Departmental Overview The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is an Organized Research Unit (ORU) of the Berkeley campus reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research. SSL's primary goal is to foster research in space-related sciences and to provide education for the next generation of space scientists. Research at SSL, led by Berkeley faculty and SSL Senior Fellows, focuses on experiments and observations carried out in space as well as theoretical and basic research.
The applicant would work at the Space Science Laboratory (SSL) as a member of the Mission Operations Center (MOC) team. The Mission Operations Engineer will provide both support and leadership for our existing NASA missions, and especially those still in development, but slated for launch (e.g., COSI and UVEX missions). This position involves work as both an aerospace systems engineer and mission operator. The applicant will be responsible for leading mission operations verification and validation (V&V) activities on multiple NASA science missions that are led and operated by UC Berkeley. The individual will provide direction to Space Sciences Lab (SSL) staff, and will also interact with NASA and the various spacecraft bus vendors we work with. The person hired will work inside our Mission Operations Center, helping to operate our 9 existing spacecrafts, as well as the new ones launched this year. SSL currently operates satellites near Earth and around the Moon and is preparing two satellites that we will be operating around Mars. This is an exciting position with lots of immediate, hands-on work in a flat organization.
Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: December 30, 2025. For full consideration, please apply on or before January 5, 2026.
This position will remain open until filled.
Responsibilities - Plans, coordinates, assists-in, or executes verification and validation (V&V) activities for
mission operations deliverables for spaceflight missions in active development. - Develops operations procedures and tools for spaceflight missions (both for ground testing and on orbit); serves as spacecraft controller
- Supervises or coordinates personnel involved in Integration and Testing of a spacecraft in development
- Monitor real-time spacecraft telemetry and uplink commands and table loads to active spacecraft.
- Generate and verify spacecraft activity sequence tables and perform contact scheduling
- Address and help resolve spacecraft anomalies that present themselves during active
missions. - Must be able to travel up to 10% as needed for work events.
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications - At least 1 year of experience planning verification and validation activities on a previous spaceflight mission or relevant program.
- At least 1 year of experience conducting, and submitting for acceptance, some requirement verification activities (e.g., Test, Demonstration, Inspection or Analysis) on a spaceflight or relevant program.
- Working systems knowledge of typical spacecraft/satellites.
- Must be able to travel up to 10% as needed for work events.
- Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications - Previous experience performing some systems engineering duties on a NASA mission
- Previous experience is in spacecraft mission operations (e.g. controller, operator, back-room support, ground network support)
- Previous experience helping to author a Verification and Validation (V&V) Plan for a successful spaceflight mission (or a specific sub-system of a mission)
- Experience with RF or spacecraft ground systems.
- Must be able to qualify for access to export-controlled information.
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
annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $114,000.00 - $135,000.00. The full pay scale for this job classification is $101,600.00 - $189,800.00.
- This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
How to Apply - To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research and Public Service Professionals, represented by the UAW.
- This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
- This recruitment has 1 opening.
- This is an on-site position at the University of California, Berkeley.
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.
Physical Exam - Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.
Misconduct SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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
