Chief Technical Officer, Berkeley Space Center (0389U) 83445

About Berkeley

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As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Berkeley Space Center is a groundbreaking new innovation ecosystem and proposed 36-acre campus at NASA Research Park where academia, government mission agencies, global industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and international partners come together to accelerate breakthroughs in air and space systems. The project will focus on becoming a world-class hub for dual-use innovation-uniting cutting-edge research with real-world capability delivery at one of the most strategically important federal research sites in the country in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Position Summary

The Chief Technical Officer is the senior technical executive for Berkeley Space Center and the primary architect of its research and capability-development agenda. Reporting to the Associate Provost, the CTO leads BSC's technical strategy, champions interdisciplinary research, and develops large, multi-institution, multi-million-dollar programs aligned with UC Berkeley strengths, NASA Ames mission domains, and national priorities.

This highly energetic, accomplished leader must bring deep technical credibility-especially with DARPA, NASA, DoD, national laboratories, and major research sponsors-and possess the ability to communicate inspiring ideas, rally diverse institutions, and secure significant funding.

This is a historic opportunity to help build a national-impact innovation district from the ground up, at the nexus of UC Berkeley excellence and NASA Ames research heritage.

Application Review Date

The minimum posting duration for this position is 14 calendar days. The department will initiate the application review process on/after January 21, 2026. Applications will be considered until the job is filled.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership- Lead BSC's technical strategy and long-term capability planning. Develop high-value, multi-institution federal proposals. Initiate new research thrusts aligned with UC Berkeley and NASA Ames priorities. Represent the Associate Provost in senior technical engagements.
• Analysis and Management - Conduct technical and policy analyses to inform BSC investments. Build and maintain technical roadmaps and performance metrics. Oversee research administration, budget development, and post-award operations. Evaluate technical feasibility and alignment of proposed initiatives.
• Communications and Outreach - Serve as BSC's authoritative technical spokesperson. Brief senior government, academic and industry leaders. Lead technical content development for communications, workshops and symposia. Coordinate research-focused events and interdisciplinary engagements.
• External Technical Leadership - Represent UC Berkeley at national forums, federal briefings and advisory panels. Maintain relationships with senior leaders at DARPA, NASA, DoD and national laboratories. Evaluate BSC's national visibility in dual-use innovation and advanced capability development.

Required Qualifications

• 12-15 years (or equivalent) of interdisciplinary professional experience in Deep Tech with strong business acumen, to specifically include experience with national security stakeholders
• Direct experience at DARPA, NASA, DoD, DOE/NNSA or a major national laboratory.
• Demonstrated ability to design and win large, complex, multi-million-dollar federal research programs.
• Experience in public speaking, and leading Executive level meetings, webinars, workshops, etc., and able to represent BSC internally and externally with superior interpersonal skills
• Track record in overseeing and leading individuals and teams (of at least 10 people) to smooth execution of multiple initiatives and projects
• Recognized technical leader with the ability to command the respect of UC Berkeley faculty and senior government sponsors.
• Strong collaborator with experience building and working with ecosystems and partner organizations.
• Exceptional communication skills and technical judgment.
• Demonstrated success leading interdisciplinary teams and large research portfolios
• A high-energy, proactive leadership style and the ability to execute in fast-paced environments.
• Doctorate in related area (engineering, computer science, aerospace, physics, materials science, robotics, etc.) and / or equivalent experience training.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time, career position that is eligible for full UC benefits. This position may be eligible for hybrid work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with the supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and may be subject to change.

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 $200,000 to $257,000. The full range for this job classification is $155,900 - $310,900.

Other Information

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.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.