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Astronomy Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ... Bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering ...

Senior Software Engineer I

Tucson, AZ

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ... Bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering ...

New

Senior Software Engineer I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ... Bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering ...

Input and maintain all data in the service databases (including Astrophysics proprietary software ... Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Electronics, Computer Engineering, or related field. * 2-7 ...

Input and maintain all data in the service databases (including Astrophysics proprietary software ... Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Electronics, Computer Engineering, or related field. * 2-7 ...

Input and maintain all data in the service databases (including Astrophysics proprietary software ... Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Electronics, Computer Engineering, or related field. * 2-7 ...

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Astronomy Software Engineer information

What is an Astronomy Software Engineer job?

An Astronomy Software Engineer develops and maintains software used in astronomical research, telescope operations, and data analysis. They work with astronomers to design algorithms, process large datasets, and optimize telescope control systems. Common tasks include developing simulation tools, automating data pipelines, and improving imaging software. This role requires expertise in programming, scientific computing, and an understanding of astrophysical concepts.

What are common day-to-day responsibilities for an Astronomy Software Engineer?

An Astronomy Software Engineer typically spends their day designing, developing, and debugging software to analyze astronomical data or control telescopes and instruments. They may collaborate with astrophysicists, data scientists, and other engineers to implement algorithms, integrate new features, or troubleshoot issues in existing systems. Reviewing scientific requirements, writing technical documentation, and supporting data pipelines or archives are also common tasks. This role requires balancing independent problem-solving with teamwork to ensure software meets rigorous scientific and operational standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Astronomy Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Astronomy Software Engineer, a solid background in computer science, mathematics, and astronomy—typically with a relevant degree—is essential. Experience with programming languages like Python, C++, or Java, familiarity with astronomical data formats (such as FITS), and use of tools like MATLAB or IRAF are often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are valuable soft skills in this field. These abilities are crucial for accurately developing, maintaining, and optimizing software that supports advanced research and scientific discoveries in astronomy.

What are the most commonly searched types of Astronomy Software Engineer jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Astronomy Software Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Astronomy Software Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Astronomy Software Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Astronomy Software Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Astronomy Software Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Astronomy Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Astronomy Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Astronomy Software Engineer job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 64% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 35% Remote job distribution.
Senior Software Engineer I

$115K - $152K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I

Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Software Engineer I based at our Optical Systems sites in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) by building deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) technology.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

  • Collaborate with researchers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision.
  • Preform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems.
  • Contribute programming ability and experience to develop solutions for real-world problems.
  • Validate, tune, test, and deploy advanced neural networks and algorithms.
  • Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new code to ensure stability.
  • Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or equivalent discipline with 5+ years of experience
  • Experience in building deep learning neural network for computer vision, image processing, or video analysis
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government Security Clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • Proficiency in C++ or Python 3
  • Experience with deep learning libraries (PyTorch and TensorFlow)
  • Experience across the deep learning life cycle, including model selection, training, validation, testing, and deployment.
  • Understanding of computer vision approaches, such as object detection, image segmentation, re-Identification, tracking, and super resolution
  • Machine learning experience with 3-D data.
  • Experience curating quality, real-world datasets for training deep learning models

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.


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