Ground Systems Lead — Mission Operations

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

The Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley seeks a Ground Software & Systems Manager to lead the mission operations software and hardware for spacecraft communications.

You will supervise engineering staff, collaborate with NASA and ground station providers, and ensure secure, scalable operations across multiple missions. This is an on-site role based in Berkeley, CA with opportunities to advance cutting-edge space science.

Qualifications

• Expertise in full‑stack software for satellite ground systems, including encryption and anomaly resolution.
• Experience interfacing with IT assets and ground-system networks (Docker, VMs, cloud, failover).
• Proven ability to work with ground station providers worldwide.
• Experience supervising staff and defining objectives.

Responsibilities

• Maintain hardware and software connecting the Berkeley Mission Operations Center to third‑party ground networks worldwide.
• Supervise and maintain the Berkeley Ground Station facility (hardware and software).
• Perform advanced software programming (C, C++, Python) in the Mission Operations System.
• Design, develop, modify and evaluate software and supporting hardware for mission operations with broad impact.
• Support NASA reviews and meetings with spacecraft partners as lead presenter.
• Travel to troubleshoot hardware and software systems as required.
• Provide design and verification data to NASA for integration with spacecraft.

Skills

Full-stack satellite software

Staff supervision

Ground station integration

Security and encryption

Education

Advanced degree in a related field

Post-graduate coursework (preferred)

Tools

Docker

Virtual Machines

Cloud vs on-prem infrastructure

Job description

The Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley seeks a Ground Software & Systems Manager to lead the mission operations software and hardware for spacecraft communications.

You will supervise engineering staff, collaborate with NASA and ground station providers, and ensure secure, scalable operations across multiple missions. This is an on-site role based in Berkeley, CA with opportunities to advance cutting-edge space science.