Aerospace Optical Systems Engineer , Space Sciences Laboratory

Aerospace Optical Systems Engineer (0346U), Space Sciences Laboratory - 81935

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 makes 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.

We encourage 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.

The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is an Organized Research Unit 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 focuses on experiments and observations carried out in space as well as theoretical and basic research.

This position requires an opto-mechanical engineer with experience designing opto-mechanical systems for spectrographs, cameras, and spaceflight mechanisms such as filter wheels, as well as assembling and bonding spaceflight optics into mounts. Opto-mechanical systems may include ground-based and spaceflight instrumentation. Experience developing and assembling mounts for optical elements up to 1 meter in diameter is preferred. Engineering activities include development of CAD-based opto-mechanical systems, characterizing mounts through finite element modelling (FEM), and laboratory assembly/alignment of opto-mechanical systems.

Collaborative activities include frequent interaction with team engineers and management, working to meet science requirements while maintaining engineering integrity.

The first review date for this job is October 30, 2025. This position will remain open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Leads development of CAD-based opto-mechanical studies for proposals and implementation for UV Imagers.
• Responsible for leading the overall opto-mechanical effort, including mirror mount design/analysis, primary structure design, and oversight of opto-mechanical mechanisms.
• Collaborates with optical engineers to ensure the opto-mechanical design follows fabrication guidelines and can be assembled and aligned within project schedule constraints.
• 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 precision opto-mechanical systems.
• Systems engineering responsibility to ensure the effective design and integration of all components and engineering fields such as optomechanical.
• Ensures that opto-mechanical design supports overall optical requirements and can achieve desired performance specifications.
• Develops detailed drawings and specifications for optics, optical assemblies, metering structures, and opto-mechanical mechanisms.
• Works with optical engineers and vendors to obtain optimal solutions.
• Integrates the activities of multiple sub-specialties of one of the Aerospace Engineering disciplines or covering several engineering specialties.
• Leads the overall mechanical assembly and integration of a spaceflight instrument or large ground-based instrument (>$20M).
• Carries major responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives in relationships with investigators, contractors, and Campus staff.
• 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.
• May lead a team of lower-level professional engineers and technicians.

• Advanced skills in the planning, development, and construction of space systems, including one successful complex space instrument from concept development through launch.
• Experien…