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

Ground Software & Systems Manager - Mission Operations (0346U), Space Sciences Laboratory - 83546

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The UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is where exploration meets innovation. As the University's hub for space science research, SSL has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries for over six decades, building instruments that have traveled to every planet in our solar system and beyond, while training the next generation of space scientists. Today, our Mission Operations Team plays a central role in operating multiple NASA science spacecraft and we're preparing for our most ambitious era yet.

By the end of this year, SSL will simultaneously manage missions in Low Earth Orbit, Lunar Orbit, at Earth‑Sun Lagrange points, and even Mars. Few places on Earth can match this level of complexity, scale, and scientific impact.

We're seeking a Ground Software & Systems Manager to lead the team that keeps it all running. This role is about more than systems and software – it's about enabling humanity's exploration of space. You'll oversee our ground operations technology, partner with NASA's TDRSS and Deep Space Network, and ensure that SSL's Mission Control stays ahead of the curve, even compared to 'new space' companies.

With access to Berkeley's own ground station and a team of engineers ready to learn from your leadership, you'll shape the software stack that drives world‑class space science.

If you're excited by the idea of 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!

The First Review Date for this job is:
January 19 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

• Ultimately responsible for maintaining both the hardware and software that connects the Berkeley Mission Operations Center to third‑party ground station networks around the world.
• Supervises and maintains the Berkeley Ground Station facility (hardware and software).
• Advanced Software Programming (e.g., C, C++, Python, etc.)
• Performs the most complex and advanced software programming in the Mission Operations System at the Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL).
• Develops custom code unique to the SSL, or code that integrates SSL software tools with commercial or government‑furnished tools.
• Oversees two‑way encryption with space assets.

• Designs, develops, modifies, and evaluates software and supporting hardware for functional areas that are highly complex and have broad, mission‑wide impact.
• Helps maintain and evolve the multi‑mission Mission Operations Center at SSL, as well as the Backup Mission Operations Center on the…