Chief Technical Officer, Berkeley Space Center; U

Chief Technical Officer, Berkeley Space Center (0389U) 83445

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

Berkeley Space Center is a groundbreaking innovation ecosystem at NASA Research Park where academia, government, industry, investors and international partners work together to accelerate breakthroughs in air and space systems.

The Chief Technical Officer is the senior technical executive for Berkeley Space Center and the primary architect of its research and capability-development agenda. Reporting to the Associate Provost, the CTO leads

SC's technical strategy, champions interdisciplinary research, and develops large, multi-institution, multi-million-dollar programs aligned with UC Berkeley strengths, NASA Ames mission domains, and national priorities.

Applications will be considered until the job is filled. The department will initiate the application review process on or after January 21, 2026.

• Lead BSC's technical strategy and long‑term capability planning; develop high‑value, multi‑institution federal proposals; initiate new research thrusts aligned with UC Berkeley and NASA Ames priorities; represent the Associate Provost in senior technical engagements.
• Conduct technical and policy analyses to inform BSC investments; build and maintain technical roadmaps and performance metrics; oversee research administration, budget development, and post‑award operations; evaluate technical feasibility and alignment of proposed initiatives.
• Serve as BSC's authoritative technical spokesperson; brief senior government, academic and industry leaders; lead technical content development for communications, workshops and symposia; coordinate research‑focused events and interdisciplinary engagements.
• Represent UC Berkeley at national forums, federal briefings and advisory panels; maintain relationships with senior leaders at DARPA, NASA, DoD and national laboratories; evaluate BSC's national visibility in dual‑use innovation and advanced capability development.

• 12–15 years of interdisciplinary professional experience in deep tech with strong business acumen; direct experience at DARPA, NASA, DoD, DOE/NNSA or a major national laboratory.
• Demonstrated ability to design and win large, complex, multi‑million‑dollar federal research programs.
• Experience in public speaking and leading executive‑level meetings, webinars, workshops; superior interpersonal skills.
• Track record in overseeing teams of at least 10 people to execute multiple initiatives and projects efficiently.
• A recognized technical leader who commands the respect of UC Berkeley faculty and senior government sponsors.
• Strong collaborator with experience building and working with ecosystems and partner organizations.
• Doctorate in engineering, computer science, aerospace, physics, materials science, robotics, or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional communication skills and technical judgment; high‑energy, proactive leadership style.

This is a full‑time, career position that is eligible for full UC benefits and may be eligible for hybrid work within the United States. The budgeted annual salary range is $200,000 to $257,000. The full range for this job classification is $155,900 to $310,900.

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.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.