"Mission Operations Engineer (7115U), Space Sciences Laboratory - 83124"

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

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

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.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.