Instrument Systems Engineer (5223C), Space Sciences Laboratory - 86105

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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

This position requires an instrument systems engineer to lead the development of spaceflight remote sensing instrumentation within UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL). The position involves providing systems engineering support in the design, assembly, and test of scientific instruments and payload systems (primarily spaceborne cameras, spectrographs, telescopes, and detector systems). Collaborative activities include frequent interaction with SSL's remote sensing engineering staff and project management, to meet science requirements while maintaining engineering integrity throughout the project's lifecycle.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: May 20, 2026

Responsibilities

Instrument Development and Systems Engineering (30%)

• Leads the development effort for instrument design, supporting analyses, construction planning, assembly, and testing.
• Collaborates with technical management and science leadership to develop a comprehensive set of instrument performance requirements as well as execute verification activities (e.g., environmental testing).

Technical Leadership and Team Supervision (15%)

• Plans, organizes and supervises lower-level engineers and technical staff engaged in design, construction and testing of space flight instruments.
• Responsible for developing plans and procedures required to assemble, test, and calibrate remote sensing instrumentation.

Design Integration and Performance Assurance (10%)

• Systems engineering responsibility to ensure the effective design and integration of all components and engineering fields such as mechanical.
• Ensure that the instrument design meets critical requirements and can achieve desired performance specifications.

External Collaboration (15%)

• Works with other research organizations in the development of components for remote sensing instrumentation.

Instrument Integration and Engineering Coordination (10%)

• Integrates the activities of multiple sub-specialties of one of the Aerospace Engineering disciplines or covering several engineering specialties.
• Leads the assembly and integration of a spaceflight instrument or large ground-based instrument (>$20M).

Research and Stakeholder Coordination (5%)

• Carries major responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives in relationships with investigators, contractors, and Campus staff.

Project Support and Technical Coordination (5%)

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

Staff Leadership (5%)

• May lead a team of lower-level professional engineers and technicians.

Other (5%)

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced skills in the planning, development, and construction of space systems, including one successful complex space project from concept development through launch.
• Experience in instrument systems engineering, particularly in development of assembly and test plans/procedures for remote sensing instruments.
• Advanced systems knowledge to effectively integrate multiple engineering fields.
• Responsible for integration and test of a space flight instrument or facility class ground-based instrument.
• Skills in project management include organization, planning, quality assurance and scheduling.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing effectively.
• Ability to interface with various institutions and disciplines to accomplish project goals and meet requirements.
• Skills in supervising staff and establishing work objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferable experience supporting either a NASA explorers class mission, or a facility class instrument for a large ground-based observatory.
• Specialist in two engineering disciplines preferred.
• 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 range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $160,000.00 - $200,000.00.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for full UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.