Instrument Systems Engineer , Space Sciences Laboratory

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.

This position requires an instrument systems engineer to lead the development of spaceflight remote sensing instrumentation within UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory. The position involves providing systems engineering support in the design, assembly, and test of scientific instruments and payload systems (primarily spaceborne cameras, spectrographs, telescopes, and detector systems). Collaborative activities include frequent interaction with SSL's remote sensing engineering staff and project management to meet science requirements while maintaining engineering integrity throughout the project's lifecycle.

• 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 as well as execute 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.
• Responsible for developing plans and procedures required to assemble, test, and calibrate remote sensing instrumentation.

• Systems engineering responsibility to ensure the effective design and integration of all components and engineering fields such as mechanical.
• Ensure that the instrument design meets critical requirements and can achieve desired performance specifications.

• Works with other research organizations in the development of components for remote sensing instrumentation.

• Integrates the activities of multiple sub-specialties of one of the Aerospace Engineering disciplines or covering several engineering specialties.
• Leads the 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.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Advanced skills in the planning, development, and construction of space systems, including one successful complex space project from concept development through launch.
• Experience in instrument systems engineering, particularly in development of assembly and test plans/procedures for remote sensing instruments.
• Advanced systems knowledge to effectively integrate multiple engineering fields.
• Responsible for integration and test of a space flight instrument or facility class ground-based instrument.
• Skills in project management include organization, planning, quality assurance and scheduling.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing effectively.
• Ability to interface with various institutions and disciplines to accomplish project goals and meet requirements.
• Skills in supervising staff and establishing work objectives.

• Preferable experience supporting either a NASA explorers class mission, or a facility class instrument for a large ground-based observatory.
• Specialist in two engineering disciplines preferred.
• Post-graduate level course work in related area preferred.

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.

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