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Astronomy Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RocketLab

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 ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

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 ...

Astronomer

$125K - $130K/yr

Astronomer empowers data teams to bring mission-critical software, analytics, and AI to life and is ... As an Airflow Reliability Engineer on the Customer Reliability Engineering (CRE) team at Astronomer ...

Ford Motor Company

AI/ML Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$105K - $126K/yr

Full-stack software engineering roles, who can develop all components of software including user ... Vertex AI Endpoints, Batch Inference, and Astronomer. Bachelor's degree in computer science ...

Saransh Inc

GCP Data Engineer with Python

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$105K - $126K/yr

The engineer will work with GCP tools like Astronomer/Composer and leverage Python for automation ... The engineer will collaborate with existing team members, including Software Analysts and Scrum ...

Ford Motor Company

AI/ML Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$99K - $192K/yr

Full-stack software engineering roles, who can develop all components of software including user ... Vertex AI Endpoints, Batch Inference, and Astronomer. Bachelor's degree in computer science ...

Astronomer

Sales Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Astronomer empowers data teams to bring mission-critical software, analytics, and AI to life and is ... As a Sales Engineer at Astronomer, you'll be a key partner to our clients, guiding them in ...

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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 Jul 21, 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 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.

More about Astronomy Software Engineer jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Astronomy Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Astronomy Software Engineer jobs are:
Astronomy Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astronomy Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Locum Tenens, 8% As Needed, 36% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 64% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,678 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer I

Senior Software Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation

Tucson, AZ

$115K - $152K/yr

Full-time

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

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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