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How much do astronomical instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for astronomical instrumentation in the United States is $28.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is astronomical instrumentation?

An Astronomical Instrumentation job involves designing, developing, and maintaining scientific instruments used in observational astronomy. Professionals in this field work with telescopes, detectors, spectrographs, and other advanced equipment to enhance astronomical research. They may collaborate with astronomers, engineers, and software developers to ensure optimal performance of instruments used in ground-based and space-based observations. These specialists often work in research institutions, observatories, and aerospace agencies to push the boundaries of astronomical discovery.

What does astronomical instrumentation do?

Professionals in astronomical instrumentation often work on designing, building, and testing innovative devices used in observatories or space missions, such as telescopes, detectors, and spectrometers. Daily responsibilities may include collaborating with astronomers, engineers, and software developers to integrate new technologies, troubleshoot instrument issues, and optimize performance. Such roles can also involve project management tasks, creating technical documentation, and occasionally providing on-site support during instrument deployment. This work is typically performed in a research laboratory or observatory setting, blending hands-on engineering with scientific collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in astronomical instrumentation?

To thrive in Astronomical Instrumentation, you need a strong background in physics, optics, electronics, and engineering, usually supported by a relevant degree or advanced studies. Familiarity with specialized software (such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, or CAD), precision measurement tools, and laboratory equipment is typically required, and certifications in optics or electronics can be an asset. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are important soft skills in this field. These qualifications are essential for designing, developing, and maintaining complex astronomical instruments critical to modern research and discovery.

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Astronomical Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astronomical Instrumentation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,888 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Astrophysics Center Program Scientist [Radio Astronomy]

Schmidt Entities

New York, NY • On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs with the most promising, advanced tools to support a thriving planet. The organization prioritizes research in areas poised for impact including AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space-as well as supporting researchers in a variety of disciplines through its science systems program.
Summary
The Astrophysics Center at Schmidt Sciences seeks an experienced radio astronomer to join a growing team supporting the development of next-generation astronomical facilities. This role will bring deep expertise in radio astronomy to the Center, helping guide the scientific development, commissioning, and operation of major facilities within the Schmidt Observatory System while contributing to the exploration of future opportunities in the field.
The successful candidate will work closely with internal staff, external partners, and the international radio astronomy community to ensure that ambitious scientific facilities are designed, built, and operated to maximize their scientific potential. The role is well suited to an established scientist with extensive experience in radio interferometry, large survey facilities, and collaborative science programs, with a demonstrated ability to work across complex scientific, engineering, and programmatic teams in multi-institutional international collaborations.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of the Astrophysics Center at Schmidt Sciences (hereafter "the Center"), the Program Scientist will join a growing multidisciplinary team supporting the Center's observatory portfolio. The role combines scientific judgment, technical insight, and collaborative stewardship across the Center's major radio astronomy activities. Working closely with internal staff, partner institutions, and the broader scientific community, responsibilities are expected to include:
  • Provide scientific and technical expertise in radio astronomy across the Center's observatory portfolio.
  • Work closely with partner institutions throughout the design, construction, commissioning, and scientific operation of major radio astronomy facilities.
  • Evaluate scientific capabilities, technical readiness, project milestones, and commissioning activities to help ensure facilities achieve their scientific objectives.
  • Review survey strategy, operational planning, calibration approaches, data products, and software plans, providing independent scientific assessment where appropriate.
  • Coordinate scientific and technical reviews within the Center, synthesizing input from internal staff and external experts.
  • Provide scientific oversight for the Center's gifts and grants in radio astronomy, monitoring progress and identifying opportunities to maximize scientific impact.
  • Represent the Center in technical reviews, scientific meetings, workshops, and interactions with the broader radio astronomy community.
  • Build collaborative relationships with partner institutions, scientific teams, and the broader radio astronomy community.
  • Advise Center leadership on scientific priorities, emerging opportunities, and strategic decisions in radio astronomy, including contributing to the exploration of future radio astronomy facilities and concepts.

Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in academia, industry, government, or private research laboratories following the Ph.D.
  • Demonstrated scientific leadership within a major radio astronomy collaboration, observatory, or survey.
  • Extensive experience with radio interferometry, including the development, commissioning, operation, or scientific exploitation of large radio arrays.
  • Broad understanding of radio astronomy instrumentation, calibration, imaging, data processing, and scientific operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across scientific, engineering, and multidisciplinary teams in large, multi-institutional collaborations.
  • Excellent scientific judgment, communication skills, and the ability to build productive relationships with partner institutions and the broader research community.
  • Based at one of the Schmidt Sciences offices (Maryland, New York, or Virginia), with the ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Desired Additional Skills
  • Experience with the commissioning or early scientific operation of facility-class radio observatories.
  • Experience participating in scientific advisory committees, technical review panels, or governance activities for major astronomical facilities.
  • Experience working with external collaborators, partner institutions, or multi-institutional scientific teams.
  • Expertise in one or more areas enabled by modern radio astronomy, such as transient astronomy, pulsars, cosmology, exoplanets, or multi-messenger astrophysics.
  • Familiarity with large-scale radio astronomy software, calibration pipelines, or survey data products.
  • Broad scientific interests spanning multiple areas of radio astronomy and an interest in future observatory concepts.

$200,000 - $250,000 a year
This is an exempt position.
Schmidt Sciences, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a
diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color,
religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual
orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local,
state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and
strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.

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