Ground Software & Systems Manager – Mission Operations , Space Sciences Laboratory

Overview

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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. Our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan guide our work. UC Berkeley supports professional growth through various employee resource groups and provides full-time staff with paid time for professional development.

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The UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is the University’s hub for space science research. SSL has built instruments that have traveled to every planet in our solar system and beyond, and it trains the next generation of space scientists. Our Mission Operations Team operates multiple NASA science spacecraft and is preparing for an ambitious era with missions in Low Earth Orbit, Lunar Orbit, at Earth–Sun Lagrange points, and Mars.

SSL aims to keep its operations at the forefront of software and ground systems.

We are seeking a Ground Software & Systems Manager to lead the team that keeps it all running. You will oversee SSL’s ground operations technology, partner with NASA’s TDRSS and Deep Space Network, and help ensure Mission Control stays ahead of the curve. You will shape the software stack that drives world-class space science with access to Berkeley’s own ground station and a team of engineers ready to learn from your leadership.

If you’re excited by applying your expertise to safeguard multimillion-dollar missions, mentoring engineers, and building a best-in-class ground operations platform, SSL is where you can make your mark.

• Mission Operations and Ground Systems Engineering
  • Maintain both the hardware and software that connects the Berkeley Mission Operations Center to third-party ground station networks worldwide.
  • Supervise and maintain the Berkeley Ground Station facility (hardware and software).
  • Advanced Software Programming (e.g., C, C++, Python, etc.).
  • Perform the most complex software programming in the Mission Operations System at SSL.
  • Develop custom code unique to SSL or code that integrates SSL tools with commercial or government-furnished tools.
  • Oversee two-way encryption with space assets.
• Systems Design and Development
  • Design, develop, modify, and evaluate software and supporting hardware for highly complex, mission-wide impact areas.
  • Maintain and evolve the multi-mission Mission Operations Center at SSL and the Backup Mission Operations Center on the main campus.
• Program and Partner Support
  • Support the flight mission's Program Manager, Systems Engineer, and Mission Operations leads at NASA and subcontractor meetings as lead presenter.
  • Travel for troubleshooting of hardware and software systems as required.
• NASA and Mission Collaboration
  • Support all NASA reviews and ongoing meetings with spacecraft partners as the subject matter expert on Mission Operations System ground systems.
  • Supervise at least 2 FTE, including professional engineers, technicians, and students.
• Technical Oversight and Compliance
  • Work with spacecraft management to meet technical requirements within schedule and budget.
  • Revise design and verification as needed.
  • Provide all design and verification data to NASA for integration with the spacecraft.

• Expert-level, system-architect knowledge of full-stack software design, development, and integration in real-time mission operations or comparable high-availability environments.
• Proven leadership in resolving anomalies at the intersection of software, hardware, and systems integration in a real-time operational environment.
• Experience leading operations where continuous availability…