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Astronomy Intern Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Astronomy Intern information

See Texas salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do astronomy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for astronomy intern in Texas is $15.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an astronomy intern do?

An Astronomy Intern assists professional astronomers and researchers with tasks such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation related to celestial bodies and phenomena. Interns may help operate telescopes, process astronomical images, and contribute to ongoing research projects. They often gain hands-on experience with specialized software and equipment, learn about observational techniques, and may participate in literature reviews or outreach activities. The internship provides valuable exposure to the field of astronomy and helps interns build skills for a future career in science.

What types of projects or tasks can an astronomy intern expect to work on during their internship?

Astronomy Interns are typically involved in a mix of observational data analysis, literature reviews, and simulation work. Depending on the institution, you may assist with processing telescope data, developing software tools, or supporting ongoing research projects under the guidance of a mentor. Interns often collaborate with graduate students and researchers, gaining hands-on experience in scientific methods and research communication. The variety of tasks provides a solid foundation for those considering graduate studies or a career in astronomy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an astronomy intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astronomy Intern, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, often supported by coursework or a degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, programming languages like Python, and astronomical software such as IRAF or Astropy is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively make candidates stand out. These skills are crucial for accurately processing astronomical data, contributing to research projects, and working productively within scientific teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Astronomy jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Astronomy jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Astronomy Intern jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Astronomy Intern job openings:

Quality Assurance Engineering Technician (NASA Ballon Program)

Peraton

Palestine, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton provides management and technical support for NASA's scientific balloon program which supports enabling science missions for NASA and universities across the United States and foreign scientific communities. Scientific balloon missions provide researchers inexpensive, relatively quick, long duration access to near space altitudes and environments. Balloon missions cost orders of magnitude less than satellite missions and provide platforms for heavy experiments (some greater than 5000-lbs) to operate for weeks and even months. Balloon missions have provided significant science theories and discoveries about cosmic rays, gamma ray and x-ray astronomy, optical and UV astronomy, atmospheric sciences, and cosmic microwave background studies.

Our staff are located at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) in Palestine, TX where we design, analyze, build and assembly the support hardware and balloon gondola payloads for the missions. We launch the balloons from locations within the United States (Texas, New Mexico, and Hawaii) and around the world including Antarctica, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. Our engineers and technician staff support the launches and balloon and payload recoveries in the US and many worldwide locations. Peraton's NASA Balloon Operations Contract (NBOC) program is seeking a Quality Assurance Engineering Technician to join our team in Palestine, Texas.

Our rural campus offers the ability to work in a low-cost of living area, but within an easy drive of Tyler, Dallas and Houston.    

Responsibilities of the position: 

  • Determines if current methods and techniques result in meeting reliability standards or require modification.
  • Develops, modifies, applies, and maintains quality evaluation and control systems and protocols for processing materials into partially finished or finished materials product.
  • Collaborates with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place.
  • Ensures methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment are compliant with guidance; conducts quality assurance tests; and performs statistical analysis to assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for, products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications.
  • May specialize in the areas of design, incoming material, production control, product evaluation and reliability, inventory control and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED certificate.
  • Four years of related experience with Quality Assurance 
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be able to pass a background check to obtain a NASA Personal Identity Verification card (PIV) background check and drug screen required. 
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary RangeThe rate / range per hour below represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.SCA / Union / Intern Rate or RangeN/AEEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017