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.
Position Summary Quality Assurance leader, knowledgeable in engineering design and development of aerospace systems including scientific instruments for spacecraft and satellite command and control systems. Ensures the safe integration and testing of spacecraft to the launch vehicle at launch locations.
Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: May 29, 2026. This job will remain open until filled.
Responsibilities Aerospace Quality Assurance Leadership (20%) - Provides leadership and technical knowledge in the area of Aerospace Quality Assurance and NASA Safety and Mission Assurance.
Technical Design & Testing Review (20%) - Provide technical review and input design, construction and testing of space flight instruments in the area of Aerospace Quality Assurance and NASA Safety and Mission Assurance.
Vendor & Team Collaboration (20%) - Collaborates with team and sub-vendors in solving and preventing issues through on site collaboration and technical leadership.
Hardware Inspection & Compliance Verification (20%) - Verifies hardware quality through hardware inspection, procedure review and test witnessing.
Reporting & Documentation (20%) - Gathers, analyzes and prepares information and prepare reports for issues in the area of Aerospace Quality Assurance and NASA Safety and Mission Assurance.
Required Qualifications - Detailed knowledge of Aerospace Quality Assurance requirements.
- Knowledge of NASA Safety and Mission Assurance requirements.
- Infrequent travel to partners and subcontractors, possible longer travel associated with launches.
- This position requires driving to various locations, including remote sites, to support launch operations, inspections, compliance activities, and mission assurance responsibilities.
- This position includes requires the ability to successfully pass a NASA visual acuity test. https://mttc.jpl.nasa.gov/pdf/MTTC_Vision_Certification_for_NASA_STD_8739.pdf
- U.S. Person - a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). It also means any corporation, business association, partnership, society, trust, or any other entity, organization or group that is incorporated to do business in the U.S. It also includes any governmental (federal, state or local), entity.
Preferred Qualifications - Aerospace systems knowledge or other engineering specialties supporting Aerospace Quality Assurance.
- Skills in managing large volumes of information and creating professional documentation to present to customers.
Education / Training - Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Preferred Education - 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 annual salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $140,000.00 - $175,000.00. The full pay scale for this job classification is $124,700.00 - $240,900.00.
- This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
- This is a full-time (100% FTE, 40 hours/week) Career position eligible for full UC benefits.
How to Apply - To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Driving Required - Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Other Information - This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP or SV.
- This position is eligible for up to 20% (1 day/week) remote work within the United States, depending on operational and mission needs. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor and may be modified based on project requirements, launch schedules, testing activities, and travel obligations.
- 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.
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 - This position requires the ability to successfully pass a NASA visual acuity test: https://mttc.jpl.nasa.gov/pdf/MTTC_Vision_Certification_for_NASA_STD_8739.pdf
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
