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Inside Higher Ed

Aerospace Optical Systems Engineer (0346U), Space Sciences Laboratory - 81935

Inside Higher Ed, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709

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Aerospace Optical Systems Engineer (0346U), Space Sciences Laboratory - 81935 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.

Departmental Overview The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is an Organized Research Unit (ORU) of the Berkeley campus reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research. SSL’s primary goal is to foster research in space-related sciences and provide education for the next generation of space scientists. Research at SSL, led by Berkeley faculty and SSL Senior Fellows, focuses on experiments and observations carried out in space as well as theoretical and basic research.

Position Summary This position requires an opto‑mechanical engineer with experience designing opto‑mechanical systems (spectrographs, cameras, and spaceflight mechanisms such as filter wheels) and assembling and bonding spaceflight optics into mounts. Opto‑mechanical systems may include both ground‑based and spaceflight instrumentation. Experience developing and assembling mounts for optical elements up to 1 meter in diameter is preferred. Activities include development of CAD‑based opto‑mechanical systems, FEM analysis, and laboratory assembly/alignment of opto‑mechanical systems. Collaboration with team engineers and management ensures that science requirements are met while maintaining engineering integrity.

Responsibilities

Lead development of CAD‑based opto‑mechanical studies for proposals and implementation for UV Imagers.

Lead overall opto‑mechanical effort, including mirror mount design/analysis, primary structure design, and oversight of opto‑mechanical mechanisms.

Collaborate with optical engineers to ensure the opto‑mechanical design follows fabrication guidelines and can be assembled and aligned within project schedule constraints.

Plan, organize, and supervise lower‑level engineers and technical staff engaged in design, construction and testing of space‑flight instruments.

Develop plans and procedures required to assemble precision opto‑mechanical systems.

Ensure effective design and integration of all components and engineering fields such as opto‑mechanical.

Support overall optical requirements and achieve desired performance specifications.

Develop detailed drawings and specifications for optics, optical assemblies, metering structures, and opto‑mechanical mechanisms.

Work with optical engineers and vendors to obtain optimal solutions.

Integrate activities of multiple sub‑specialties of aerospace engineering or related engineering disciplines.

Lead mechanical assembly and integration of a spaceflight instrument or large ground‑based instrument (> $20 M).

Carry major responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives in collaboration with investigators, contractors, and campus staff.

Work with project management to meet technical requirements within schedule and budget, revising design and verification as needed.

May lead a team of lower‑level professional engineers and technicians.

Required Qualifications

Advanced skills in planning, development, and construction of space systems, including one successful complex space instrument from concept development through launch.

Experience leading an opto‑mechanical design effort from concept definition to component delivery.

Advanced knowledge and experience using mechanical CAD (SolidWorks) and FEM.

Experience designing and analyzing optical mounts for relevant environments (vibration, shock, thermal) and optical performance (wavefront error, STOP, etc.).

Experience with optical design software such as Zemax OpticStudio or Code V.

Advanced systems knowledge to effectively integrate multiple engineering fields.

Experience responsible for mechanical integration of a space‑flight instrument or facility‑class ground‑based instrument.

Project management skills including organization, planning, quality assurance, contamination control, and scheduling.

Staff supervision skills and ability to establish work objectives.

Advanced degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting a NASA Explorer‑class mission or a facility‑class instrument for a large ground‑based observatory.

Post‑graduate level coursework in a related area.

Salary & Benefits For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California’s Compensation & Benefits website. The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $180,000.00–$230,000.00. This role is exempt, monthly‑paid.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity 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.

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