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Astronomy Image Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$15/hr

... process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. * CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT ... Image data. * Running and analyzing outputs from the pterodactyls transit detection pipeline for ...

Adjunct: Astronomy

$29.25 - $33/hr

Online teaching experience or completion of an online teaching certification process Desired ... You will celebrate and honor other employees and students as being made in the image of God; be ...

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Astronomy Image Processing information

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$29

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How much do astronomy image processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for astronomy image processing in the United States is $36.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.69 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in astronomy image processing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in astronomy image processing often encounter challenges such as dealing with large datasets, removing noise and artifacts from raw images, and ensuring data accuracy for scientific analysis. Addressing these issues typically involves using specialized software tools, developing custom algorithms, and collaborating closely with astronomers and data scientists. Staying updated on the latest processing techniques and maintaining strong attention to detail are essential for producing reliable results and supporting research objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Astronomy Image Processing Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel in Astronomy Image Processing, you need a solid background in physics or astronomy, strong analytical abilities, and experience with digital imaging techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or IDL, as well as proficiency in specialized software such as IRAF or Astropy, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you interpret complex data and collaborate with research teams. These skills are essential for producing accurate scientific results, advancing research, and ensuring the reliability of astronomical observations.

What is Astronomy Image Processing?

Astronomy image processing is the technique of enhancing and analyzing images captured by telescopes and other astronomical instruments. This field involves correcting for distortions, removing noise, and extracting meaningful scientific data from raw images of celestial objects. Experts in astronomy image processing use specialized software and algorithms to reveal details not visible to the naked eye, aiding in discoveries and research. The process is essential for both professional astronomers and enthusiasts to interpret and present astronomical data accurately.

What is the difference between Astronomy Image Processing vs Astronomical Data Analyst?

AspectAstronomy Image ProcessingAstronomical Data Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field; experience with imaging softwareDegree in data science, statistics, or astronomy; proficiency in data analysis tools
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, observatories, space agenciesResearch institutions, observatories, data centers
Industry UsageFocuses on processing raw images from telescopes and satellitesAnalyzes processed data to interpret astronomical phenomena
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles involving image dataRelated but more data analysis-oriented

While both roles involve working with astronomical data, Astronomy Image Processing primarily focuses on converting raw telescope images into usable formats, whereas Astronomical Data Analysts interpret processed data to derive scientific insights. Both roles require a background in astronomy or related fields, but their core tasks differ in processing versus analysis.

Infographic showing various Astronomy Image Processing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 58% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,961 per year, or $36 per hour.
Signal & Image Processing and AI Project Engineer

Signal & Image Processing and AI Project Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

As a Signal & Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence Project Engineer in DSG, you will be directly supporting the Tools, Applications and Processing Lab (TAP Lab) as it advances the Missile Warning & Tracking (MWT) mission using Overhead Persistent Infra-Red (OPIR). In this role, you will be responsible for the support of vendor R&D efforts, understanding and performance portions of our in-house R&D, and aligning the R&D lab with the broader enterprise. That will mean supporting migration to cloud, addressing the challenges with future sensor systems, working with a Gov't Software Factory, and incorporating new technologies, including AI & Machine Learning, into OPIR data exploitation.


The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. Some travel to Boulder and Aurora, CO will be expected.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Supporting research and development of new Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning (AIML) tools, applications, and processing for OPIR Mission Data Processing / Data Exploitation
  • Supporting the development of software for R&D sensors
  • Advance new ground and processing technologies in support of Operations, with a focus on use of AIML for those areas
  • An Innovation and New Technology Advocate as well as Early Adopter mindset is required.
  • Support the advancement of OPIR MWT mission by addressing anticipated future problems before they arrive
  • Working with our vendor community, gov't stakeholders and many others, as they address these challenges

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Signal & Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence:

  • Bachelor's and/or master's degree in aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, computer science, data science or relevant technical field such as astronomy or physics.
  • 8 or more years of professional experience with image, OPIR, or Mission Data Processing/Data Exploitation, ideally researching or developing such software for professional/operational release
  • 4 or more years of professional experience applying software engineering practices and leading the application of such practices
  • Enterprise scale image or OPIR processing software system development experience
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, exciting environment with rapidly evolving, competing priorities
  • Demonstrated experience in coding image processing algorithms with C and/or Python
  • This position requires a current Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US Government.. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Post-Graduate degree in a STEM area, preferably satellite sensor processing
  • Significant understanding of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Missile Warning &Tracking mission areas, with a heavy focus on Mission Data Processing / Data Exploitation
  • Experience in satellite Remote Sensing that can augment Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR)
  • Experience supporting very technical vendors in a Gov't R&D environment
  • Demonstrated effectiveness working with limited supervision
  • Demonstrated capability to work in a highly dynamic Program Office environment with a mix of Government, FFRDC, SETA, and vendor personnel
  • Top Secret security clearance with appropriate SCI is strongly preferred

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$129,000.00 - $193,500.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.