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

Ground Software & Systems Manager

The University of California, Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) seeks a Ground Software & Systems Manager to lead ground operations technology and support NASA science spacecraft missions. The role focuses on maintaining and evolving the Mission Operations system, ensuring reliable hardware and software connectivity, and guiding a team of engineers and technicians.

• Maintain 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).
• Perform advanced software programming in the Mission Operations System, including C, C++, Python, and integration of SSL software tools with commercial or government‑furnished tools.
• Oversee two‑way encryption with space assets.
• Design, develop, modify, and evaluate software and supporting hardware for highly complex functional areas with mission‑wide impact.
• Support the flight mission’s Program Manager, Systems Engineer, and Mission Operations leads in NASA and subcontractor meetings as the subject‑matter expert.
• Provide technical oversight for NASA reviews, ongoing meetings, and spacecraft collaboration.
• Supervise at least two full‑time employees, including professional engineers, technicians, and students.
• Work with spacecraft management to meet technical requirements within schedule and budget, revising design and verification as needed.
• Provide all design and verification data to NASA for integration with 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 (“up‑time”) is a critical performance metric.
• Experience with IT infrastructure management and architecture, including containers (e.g., Docker), virtualization, cloud vs. on‑prem tradeoffs, and fail‑over strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise technical staff, set work objectives, and manage project deliverables.
• Advanced degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training.

• Knowledge of the latest software and hardware advances to keep UCB SSL at a competitive edge.

• Post‑graduate level coursework in a related area preferred.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $ – $ with a full pay scale of $ – $. This is an exempt, monthly‑paid position. It is a full‑time career role eligible for the full UC benefits package and is on‑site at the Space Sciences Laboratory.

To apply, submit your 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 other protected status under state or federal law. For more information about your rights as an applicant, see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster, the University of California’s affirmative action policy, and the University of California’s anti‑discrimination policy.