Mission Operations Engineer , Space Sciences Laboratory

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

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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 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.

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.

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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.

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

• Plan, coordinate, assist in, or execute verification and validation (V&V) activities for mission operations deliverables for spaceflight missions in active development.
• Develop operations procedures and tools for spaceflight missions (both for ground testing and on orbit) and serve as spacecraft controller.
• Supervise or coordinate personnel involved in integration and testing of a spacecraft in development.
• Monitor real‑time spacecraft telemetry, 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.
• Be able to travel up to 10% as needed for work events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

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