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Astrophysics Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purple Drive Technologies

Data Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$122K - $147K/yr

Airflow / Astronomer * Data Engineering and pipeline orchestration * Experience with: * Spark performance tuning * Databricks platform administration * DAG design and enterprise orchestration * Data ...

Astrophysics Inc.

Field Service Technician

Calexico, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Astrophysics Inc. is a leading global designer and manufacturer of X-Ray security inspection ... Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Electronics, Computer Engineering, or related field. * 2-7 ...

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$81K

$110.8K

$130K

How much do astrophysics programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for astrophysics programming in the United States is $110,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $119,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Astrophysics Programmer, you need a solid background in astrophysics or physics, strong mathematical skills, and advanced proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Fortran. Experience with data analysis tools, simulation software, and familiarity with scientific computing platforms like MATLAB or Astropy is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for solving complex problems and collaborating with research teams. These abilities enable accurate modeling, efficient data processing, and robust scientific discoveries in the field of astrophysics.

What is astrophysics programming?

Astrophysics programming involves using computer programming and software development to analyze astronomical data, simulate cosmic phenomena, and solve complex problems in astrophysics. Professionals in this field write code to process telescope observations, model the behavior of stars and galaxies, and visualize large-scale structures in the universe. They often use languages like Python, C++, or Fortran, and work with specialized scientific libraries and tools. Astrophysics programmers collaborate closely with astronomers and physicists to interpret data and contribute to scientific research.

What is the difference between Astrophysics Programming vs Data Scientist?

AspectAstrophysics ProgrammingData Scientist
Required credentialsPhysics or astrophysics degree, programming skillsStatistics, computer science, or related degree, programming skills
Work environmentResearch institutions, observatories, academiaCorporate, tech companies, finance, healthcare
Industry usageScientific research, space agenciesBusiness analytics, machine learning, data analysis

Astrophysics Programming and Data Scientist roles both require strong programming skills and analytical thinking. However, astrophysics programming focuses on space research and scientific data, often within academic or research institutions, while data scientists work across various industries analyzing business or consumer data. The credentials overlap in programming and quantitative skills, but the application areas differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by programmers in astrophysics research teams?

Astrophysics programmers often work with large, complex datasets and must optimize code for high-performance computing environments. A common challenge is ensuring code accuracy and reproducibility, given the precision required in scientific simulations and data analysis. Collaboration with physicists and astronomers is frequent, so clear communication and an understanding of scientific objectives are essential. Additionally, staying current with evolving programming languages and software tools used in the astrophysics community is important for success in this role.
Infographic showing various Astrophysics Programming job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,762 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Data Engineer

Purple Drive Technologies

Irvine, CA • On-site

$122K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Overview:
Job Title: Data Engineer
Location: Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Opportunity
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Data Engineer with strong platform engineering and data pipeline expertise to support enterprise-scale delivery initiatives. The ideal candidate should have deep hands-on experience with Databricks, Airflow/Astronomer, DevOps automation, and scalable data engineering solutions.
This role requires senior-level engineers capable of owning technical delivery, driving platform reliability, and collaborating with highly technical engineering teams.
Required Skills
  • Strong hands-on expertise in:
    • Databricks
    • Apache Spark
    • Airflow / Astronomer
    • Data Engineering and pipeline orchestration
  • Experience with:
    • Spark performance tuning
    • Databricks platform administration
    • DAG design and enterprise orchestration
    • Data quality and scalable pipeline architecture
  • Strong DevOps knowledge including:
    • CI/CD pipelines
    • Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
    • Automation frameworks
  • Experience managing:
    • Platform stability
    • Monitoring and observability
    • Operational readiness and support
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and optimize scalable data pipelines and workflows
  • Build and maintain enterprise orchestration solutions using Airflow/Astronomer
  • Perform Spark optimization and Databricks platform tuning
  • Support platform engineering initiatives focused on scalability, reliability, and automation
  • Implement CI/CD and infrastructure automation for data platforms
  • Monitor platform health and ensure operational stability
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver technical solutions
  • Own technical delivery for assigned scope, timelines, and outcomes
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in cloud-based data engineering environments
  • Strong troubleshooting and performance optimization skills
  • Experience working in highly technical Agile engineering teams

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