Entry Level Astronomy Software Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.
At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.
Annual Salary: $50,000 - $54,000
FTE: 0.83 (10-Month Contract, August - May)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Physics & Engineering Laboratory Manager provides comprehensive technical, instructional, and administrative support to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality educational experiences within the department's laboratories, machine shop, and Makerspace. This multi-faceted role combines laboratory management, technical equipment maintenance, safety training compliance, student mentorship, and instructional duties.
The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty to design, prototype, and set up experiments. They are responsible for managing laboratory inventory, coordinating procurement, and maintaining specialized physics and engineering equipment, as well as associated computer systems and files. Additionally, the Laboratory Manager is responsible for teaching introductory laboratory sections and/or other 100- or 200- level courses. The position serves as the primary coordinator for safety training, compliance, and asset management across all department facilities, the machine shop, and the Makerspace.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Physics & Engineering Laboratory Management

• Lab Setup & Coordination: Manage and coordinate preparation and break down laboratory setups for introductory and Workshop Physics courses.
• Faculty Collaboration: Partner with faculty to set up, stage, and align specialized technical equipment for upper-division courses and research laboratories.
• Experimental Prototyping: Collaborate closely with faculty to design, test, and prototype custom laboratory equipment and experimental apparatuses.
• Asset & Computer Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, updates, and minor repairs on educational computers, software packages, and specialized instrumentation.
• Work Style: Demonstrates high initiative, manages overlapping priorities effectively, and works independently to accomplish programmatic tasks and duties.

2. Machine Shop Supervision & Technical Maintenance

• Equipment Care: Maintain, diagnose, repair, and modify mechanical, wood, and metalworking equipment commonly used in physics and engineering courses to maximize tool lifespan and user safety.
• Training Coordination: Design, implement, and lead safety and equipment training protocols for students, staff, and faculty ensuring safe, effective operation of shop equipment that reflects industry preparation standards.
• Facility Operations: Oversee the scheduling and use of the machine shop space, coordinate material storage, and maintain consistent cleanliness and organization of the facility.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Enforce compliance with institutional and governmental safety rules and standards.

3. Makerspace Inventory & Training Coordination

• User Training: Facilitate clear, comprehensive training for students and faculty regarding Makerspace capabilities and advanced tool technologies (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting).
• Inventory Control & Procurement: Manage and track supply chains, materials, and equipment inventories for the Makerspace to enhance equipment usage for both internal academic tasks and industry collaborative projects.
• Operational Safety: Establish, publish, and ensure continuous adherence to actionable Makerspace safety protocols and operating procedures.

4. Procurement & Administrative Support

• Materials Logistics: Oversee the strategic planning, sourcing, ordering, and budgeting of tools, components, and general laboratory stock.
• Vendor Management: Maintain clear, positive communication with external vendors to evaluate technical bids, manage service contracts, and lock in optimal educational pricing agreements.
• Records Oversight: Keep meticulous, up-to-date administrative records including safety data sheets (SDS), tool operation manuals, equipment inventories, and service agreements.

5. Instructional & Teaching Duties

• Core Teaching Load: Teach introductory physics laboratories or other relevant 100 and 200-level courses, up to 6 credits per academic year. There may be future opportunities to teach elective courses based on background (e.g., Electronics/Maker courses, Energy & Environment, or Astronomy).
• Workload Adjustments: Annual variations above or below the 6-credit threshold will be evaluated in consultation with the Department Chair.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Master's degree (M.S.) in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline preferred or equivalent experience or education.
• Experience: Minimum of one year of hands-on experience in laboratory management, academic technical support, or introductory-level teaching.
• Technical Breadth: Demonstrated experience or high competency with a diverse suite of shop and Makerspace tools, including woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting.
• Diagnostic Abilities: Strong troubleshooting and mechanical problem-solving skills; proven capacity to maintain, repair, and adapt specialized scientific hardware alongside operating systems and files.
• Policy Development: Ability to write clear, actionable safety parameters, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and instructional material.
• Interpersonal Skills: Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative skills. Must be able to deliver safety directions firmly yet diplomatically to a varied demographic of students, peers, and faculty researchers.
• Software Literacy: Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for inventory tracking, budgeting, and administrative archiving.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• On-Site Requirement: Fully on-site position based on the Forest Grove Campus.
• Schedule Expectations: Standard weekday operational hours (Monday-Friday) aligned with academic calendar needs.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs of equipment, stand for prolonged laboratory durations, and handle tools safely.
• Travel Requirements: None.

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please upload your resume, cover letter and three professional references along with your Paycom application. Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.
Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.
At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they are unsure if they can perform every function in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about how your background and skill set may qualify you for the role.
We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays-including winter break-and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.