UVEX Instrument Manager (5620U), Space Sciences Laboratory - #71159

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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 to 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.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: August 6, 2024

The Role

SSL is looking for an instrument manager to lead the ultraviolet imaging module (UVIM) instrument on the UVEX project. The Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) is NASA's next Astrophysics Medium-Class Explorer mission. UVEX will undertake a synoptic survey of the entire sky in the near-UV and far-UV, probing the dynamic universe with a sensitivity more than 50 times better than GALEX. SSL will manage the UVEX mission and is responsible for integration, test, and calibration of the UVIM instrument. The successful candidate will join the UVEX leadership team and coordinate the UVIM development across multiple institutions, including the California Institute of Technology and the Utah State Space Dynamics Lab. Experience in project management, while leading the technical development of a spaceflight instrument, is required. Applicants are preferred to have experience in the design of large focal plane assemblies and opto-mechanical systems for spaceflight applications. UVEX has only just been selected and there is an opportunity to join a project at the formulation stages. Candidates with strong technical and hands-on skills are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Leads development of CAD based opto-mechanical studies for proposals and implementation. Responsible for leading the overall opto-mechanical effort, including mirror mount design/analysis, primary structure design, and oversight of opto-mechanical mechanisms. Collaborates with optical engineers to ensure the opto-mechanical design follows fabrication guidelines and can be assembled and aligned within project schedule constraints.
• Plans, organizes and supervises lower-level engineers and technical staff at the laboratory or at partners engaged in design, construction and testing of space flight instruments. Responsible for developing plans and procedures required to assemble and test precision opto-mechanical systems.
• Systems engineering responsibility to ensure the effective design and integration of all components and engineering fields required to deliver a spaceflight instrument.
• Oversees the development of the quality assurance implementation plan, subcontractor fabrication plans and facilities, parts and materials used in the project, inspections and test planning.
• Conducts failure reviews and implements recovery plans.
• Secures and coordinates trained staff and facilities.
• Coordinates with other partners such as NASA and other Universities to deliver functioning systems on time and on budget
• Develops complete work plan and budget; monitors cost and schedule performance.
• Coordinates component and system-level design reviews.
• Implements and monitors NASA or other funding agency procedures, contract terms, guidelines and directives, including all quality assurance and safety requirements.
• Ensures all contract deliverables are met.
• Oversees subsystem managers (or engineering leads) for parts of the program.
• Makes recommendations and implements decisions on issues (operational and budget processes, staff FTE, finance, human resources and space planning) that have department-wide impact.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced skills in the planning, development, and construction of space systems, including multiple successful complex space instruments from concept development through launch. Experience leading an opto-mechanical design effort from concept definition to component delivery is expected. Experience developing instruments for NASA Explorers Class C and/or Class D missions is required.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using mechanical CAD (SolidWorks), as well as finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal modelling. Experience designing and analyzing optical mounts and focal planes for relevant environments (vibration, shock, and thermal) in addition to optical performance (induced wavefront error, STOP, etc.)
• Advanced systems knowledge to effectively integrate multiple engineering fields. Responsible for successful development and delivery of a space flight instrument. Payload subsystem (WBS level 3 or equivalent) manager for NASA spaceflight project.
• Skills in project management to include organization, planning, quality assurance and scheduling.
• Skills in supervising staff and establishing work objectives.
• Thorough knowledge and skills in management and engineering specialty(ies). Subject matter expert in developing spaceflight remote sensing instrumentation. Broad knowledge of all aerospace specific engineering disciplines (electrical, mechanical, optics, software, etc.)
• Excellent skills in leading the technical design and development of a space project as shown in delivery of multiple remote sensing instruments.
• Education / Training Requirements
• Doctorate or advanced degree with significant post-graduate work in related field

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The full pay scale for this position is $151,400.00-$301,800.00. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $200,000.00-$230,000.00.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Diversity Statement

Please include, as part of your application a brief (1-2 paragraph) statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in your professional experience.

Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our UC Berkeley Principles of Community, which states that every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring, and humane environment in which these values can thrive."

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/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

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