Instrument Systems Engineer , Space Sciences Laboratory

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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.

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 role involves providing systems engineering support in the design, assembly, and test of scientific instruments and payload systems (primarily space‑borne cameras, spectrographs, telescopes, and detector systems). Collaborative activities include frequent interaction with SSL’s remote sensing engineering staff and project management.

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

• 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 and executes verification activities (e.g., environmental testing).

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

• Ensures effective design and integration of all components and engineering fields such as mechanical.
• Verifies that the instrument design meets critical requirements and can achieve desired performance specifications.

• Works with other research organizations on component development for remote sensing instrumentation.

• Integrates activities of multiple sub‑specialties within aerospace engineering or related disciplines.
• Leads assembly and integration of a spaceflight instrument or large ground‑based instrument (>$20 million).

• Carries major responsibility for accomplishing research objectives in relationships with investigators, contractors, and campus staff.

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

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

• Other duties as assigned.

• Advanced skills in planning, development, and construction of space systems, including at least one successful complex space project from concept through launch.
• Experience in instrument systems engineering, particularly in development of assembly and test plans/procedures for remote sensing instruments.
• Advanced systems knowledge to integrate multiple engineering fields.
• Experience with integration and testing of a space‑flight instrument or facility‑class ground‑based instrument.
• Project management skills: organization, planning, quality assurance, and scheduling.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interface with various institutions and disciplines to accomplish project goals.
• Staff supervision…