Mission Operations Engineer , Space Sciences Laboratory

Departmental Overview

The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is an Organized Research Unit of the UC Berkeley campus dedicated to fostering research in space‑related sciences and providing education for the next generation of space scientists. The Mission Operations Engineer will support existing NASA missions and upcoming launches such as COSI and UVEX, acting as both an aerospace systems engineer and mission operator. This position involves leading mission operations verification and validation (V&V) activities for NASA science missions led by UC Berkeley, coordinating with NASA and spacecraft bus vendors, and operating our current and future satellites.

First review date:
December 30, 2025. Please apply by January 5, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

• Plan, coordinate, assist in, or execute verification and validation (V&V) activities for mission operations deliverables on spaceflight missions in active development.
• Develop operations procedures and tools for spaceflight missions (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 arise during active missions.
• Travel up to 10% of time as needed for work events.
• Other duties as assigned.

• At least one year of experience planning verification and validation activities on a previous spaceflight mission or relevant program.
• At least one year of experience conducting and submitting requirement verification activities (e.g., test, demonstration, inspection, or analysis) on a spaceflight or relevant program.
• Working systems knowledge of typical spacecraft or satellites.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience or training.

• Previous experience performing systems engineering duties on a NASA mission.
• Experience in spacecraft mission operations (controller, operator, back‑room support, or ground network support).
• Experience authoring a Verification and Validation (V&V) plan for a successful spaceflight mission or subsystem.
• Experience with RF or spacecraft ground systems.
• Qualification to access export‑controlled information.

The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $ – $. The full pay scale for this job classification ranges from $ to $. This is a full‑time career position eligible for full UC benefits.

Submit a resume and cover letter.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under state or federal law.