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Astronomy Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $250K/yr

... astrophysics, biology, neuroscience and quantum computing. The selected candidates will work ... The Software Engineer will report to Shirley Ho, Senior Research Scientist and is a full-time fixed ...

Software Engineer III - UPDATED

Socorro, NM · On-site +1

$54.25 - $72.75/hr

Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious ... At NRAO, we are recruiting an experienced Software Engineer to design, implement, optimize, and ...

Software Engineer III - UPDATED

Green Bank, WV · On-site +1

$46.75 - $63/hr

Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious ... At NRAO, we are recruiting an experienced Software Engineer to design, implement, optimize, and ...

Software Engineer II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$92.80K - $102.20K/yr

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including hardware engineers, scientists and ... Passion for astronomy, scientific software and advancing scientific research and discovery through ...

Software Engineer II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$92.80K - $102.20K/yr

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including hardware engineers, scientists and ... Passion for astronomy, scientific software and advancing scientific research and discovery through ...

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Astronomy Software Engineer information

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$67K

$129.7K

$224K

How much do astronomy software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for astronomy software engineer in the United States is $129,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities are hiring for Astronomy Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Astronomy Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Astronomy Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Astronomy Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Astronomy Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Astronomy Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Astronomy Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,678 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

New York University

New York, NY • On-site

$100K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


New York University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
Center for Data Science at NYU seeks a full-time software engineer position as part of its new initiative, Polymathic AI, Building Foundation Models for Science. Recent advances in machine learning, including Large Language Models and diffusion based generative models have driven significant advances in Artificial Intelligence. Polymathic AI seeks to leverage these ideas to develop the next generation of AI-powered scientific analysis tools, seeking more powerful and more interpretable models with broad applications to many scientific disciplines. Our group includes researchers from multiple scientific disciplines ranging from machine learning, to astrophysics, biology, neuroscience and quantum computing.
The selected candidates will work closely with a group of computer scientists, domain scientists, and AI experts in developing software and leveraging large AI models to solve pressing scientific challenges. The hired engineer will have access to computational resources allowing training of large AI models. We offer an exciting multidisciplinary context for researching AI and its applications.
The Software Engineer will report to Shirley Ho, Senior Research Scientist and is a full-time fixed term position with a duration of one year, with possible renewals. This position is based on site at the Center for Data Science at NYU.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop, implement, maintain, and support software relevant to the initiative.
  • Engage in research on foundation models for science
  • Collaborate with other Software Engineers, Flatiron Research Fellows, Research Analysts.
  • Lead and improve open-source software practices

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to the essential functions listed above, the applicant should also be able to undertake one of the two sets of functions specific to the two focus areas for this position:
Research facing
  • Develop and train large AI models for science
  • Curate large datasets pertinent to the initiative
  • Optimize model performance

Deployment facing
  • Packaging research codes into deployable units
  • Developing and deploying end-user facing applications for AI models
  • Maintain deployed services

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $100,000-$250,000.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. in machine learning, computer science, engineering or related technical discipline.

Experience
  • At least three years' experience with software development in a research setting
  • Expertise in developing and training large AI models.
  • Proficiency in Python and either PyTorch, JAX, or Tensorflow
  • Experience with HPC, GPU, or code profiling is required
  • Knowledge of software engineering practices for working in groups, including software development life cycles, coding standards, code review, and version control

Related Skills and Other Requirements
  • Ability to collaborate on multidisciplinary research in a collegial environment
  • Ability to lead, develop and contribute to software projects
  • Effective communication, documentation, and user-support skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Technical and scientific curiosity
  • Professional communication skills

Application Instructions
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
  • CV including possibly previous projects, software repositories, publications
  • Description of previous research/engineering experience (not to exceed 2 pages, including figures).
  • Three names for references

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About New York University

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Since its founding in 1831, NYU has been an innovator in higher education, reaching out to an emerging middle class, embracing an urban identity and professional focus, and promoting a global vision that informs its 20 schools and colleges. Today, that trailblazing spirit makes NYU one of the most prominent and respected research universities in the world, featuring top-ranked academic programs and accepting fewer than one in eight undergraduates. Anchored in New York City and with degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai as well as 12 study away sites throughout the world, NYU is a leader in global education, with more international students and more students studying abroad than any other US university.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1831