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Full Time Caltech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

Mechanical Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

This full-time position is based on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California, but requires occasional travel to Palomar Mountain, San Diego, California, and Maunakea, Hawaii. COO encourages a ...

Caltech

Mechanical Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

This full-time position is based on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California, but requires occasional travel to Palomar Mountain, San Diego, California and Maunakea, Hawaii. COO encourages a ...

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

Campus, IL · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA ... The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $83,820 ...

JPL

Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA ... The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $83,820 ...

Jobs for Humanity

Unclassified

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $25/hr

JPL Campus Time type: Full time Posted on: Posted 30+ Days Ago Job Requisition ID: R4042 New ideas ... JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA ...

JPL

Electrical Safety Engineer III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

... NASA and Caltech audits including corrective action responses. Qualifications: * Bachelor of ... The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $135,928 ...

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Full Time Caltech information

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How much do full time caltech jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time caltech in the United States is $96,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are full-time positions at Caltech?

Full-time positions at Caltech refer to employment roles where individuals work a standard number of hours per week, typically 40, as regular staff, faculty, or researchers. These roles offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Full-time jobs at Caltech span various departments, including academic, administrative, technical, and facilities, supporting the institute's educational and research missions. Applicants can find opportunities in science, engineering, administration, and many other fields. The application process generally involves submitting an online application, resume, and sometimes letters of reference.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for full-time staff at Caltech, and how do they contribute to professional growth?

Full-time staff at Caltech often collaborate across departments and research groups, working closely with faculty, students, and administrative teams. These interactions foster an environment of continuous learning and innovation, as staff contribute to cutting-edge projects and campus initiatives. Such collaboration not only enhances job satisfaction but also provides opportunities to expand professional networks and develop new skills, supporting career advancement within the institution.

What is the difference between Full Time Caltech vs Full Time Research Assistant?

AspectFull Time CaltechFull Time Research Assistant
Required CredentialsRelevant degree (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's)Typically a Bachelor's or ongoing graduate studies
Work EnvironmentAcademic, laboratory, or research settings at CaltechResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry
Employer & IndustryCaltech, academia, research institutionsUniversities, research centers, industry labs
Common Search & ComparisonFull Time Caltech vs Full Time Research Assistant

Full Time Caltech positions generally require relevant academic credentials and are based within Caltech's research environment. Full Time Research Assistant roles are similar but often involve less advanced degrees and may be found in various research settings. Both roles focus on supporting research projects but differ mainly in qualifications and specific employer context.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full-Time Research Scientist at Caltech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full-Time Research Scientist at Caltech, you need advanced expertise in your scientific field, a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, and a proven research track record. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory instrumentation, and specialized research tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are crucial for driving innovative research, securing funding, and contributing to Caltech’s world-class scientific community.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Caltech jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Caltech job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Caltech jobs? The most popular types of Caltech jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Caltech jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Caltech jobs are:
Full Time Caltech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Caltech job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 10% Temporary, 74% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $96,278 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Caltech

Pasadena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is seeking a talented mechanical engineer to join its Optical and Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation group. The OIR group designs, fabricates, and commissions astronomical instrumentation systems for large telescopes at Palomar, Gemini, Keck, and the planned Thirty Meter Telescope Observatories, while fostering a community of respect, learning, and individual growth. The qualified mechanical engineer will contribute to instrument and mechanical subsystem conceptualization, detailed design, mechanical fabrication, system integration, testing, and commissioning of state-of-the-art instrumentation, pushing back the frontiers of planetary science, astronomy, and cosmology.
This full-time position is based on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California, but requires occasional travel to Palomar Mountain, San Diego, California, and Maunakea, Hawaii. COO encourages a healthy work-life balance, with work schedule flexibility consistent with results-oriented performance evaluation and mentorship.
Essential Job Duties
  • Provide mechanical engineering support of Caltech's astronomical instrumentation program, from conceptual design through commissioning, delivering sophisticated research instruments on major astronomical telescopes.
  • Assist with mechanical systems engineering, including capture and flow-down of intricate mechanical requirements, and development of critical performance budgets and detailed cost estimates.
  • Perform advanced mechanical design, component specification, tolerancing, drawing, procurement, and fabrication oversight of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation.
  • Conduct detailed finite element and thermal performance analyses of ambient and cryogenic opto-mechanical systems accurately and efficiently.
  • Coordinate mechanical assembly, integration, and verification of sophisticated optoelectromechanical subsystems with emphasis on safety, efficiency, reliability, and quality.
  • Develop, execute, and deliver instrumentation documentation, including technical notes, quantitative analyses, design documentation, alignment and test plans, and verification results.
  • Assist with the testing and validation of instrument optomechanical performance across thermal and environmental use cases.
  • Assist researchers and/or students with the design, set-up, or modifications of experiments and independent projects.
  • Participate in strategic planning, conceptualization, and proposal preparation for new instrument concepts alongside internal and external Principal Investigators.

Basic Qualifications
  • B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience and 6+ years' experience, including demonstrated independent design responsibility for mechanical systems.
  • Fluency with modern solid modeling software, rapid prototyping, traditional part and assembly drawing, and reduced dimensioning fabrication techniques.
  • Demonstrated expertise in creating manufacturing drawing packages, interface control specifications, and supporting documents.
  • Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential. Must work effectively and respectfully within talented technical and scientific teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and execute complex quotations and procurement efforts.
  • High-level proficiency in a significant number of the following technical areas: static and dynamical load analyses, FEA, mechanism design, GD&T, PDM tools, quality assurance, thermal analysis and design, structural engineering, thermal and flexure compensation, mounting of large and precise optics, vacuum systems, machining operations, EDM, additive manufacture techniques, and/or robotics.
  • Occasional travel and work assignments at high altitudes and in limited light environments; requires a successful pre-employment physical, including vision screening.
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent and 6+ years' experience with complex SolidWorks assemblies, hands-on experience with optical instrumentation, infrared camera systems, and/or cryogenic vacuum systems, or equivalent work or military experience.
  • Superior knowledge of optomechanical and thermal design principles and analysis techniques, including for vacuum and cryogenic systems.
  • Detailed understanding of manufacturing processes and experience working closely with machine shops and fabricators.
  • Strong collaborative communication skills working within a diverse, multicultural, and international team environment.
  • Superior knowledge of analysis/FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS).
  • Professional experience with commercial optical design tools (e.g., ZEMAX, CODE V).
  • Experience with space-based or satellite astronomical systems.

The Successful Candidate Will:
  • Demonstrate Customer Focus: Demonstrate a concern for the needs and expectations of customers (internal or external); focus efforts on identifying and meeting the needs of customers; use an understanding of customer needs as the basis for decision-making and organizational action; build strong relationships of trust with customers.
  • Make Good Decisions: Apply logic and practical thinking to decision making; gather necessary input and data from multiple sources to inform decisions and make decisions based on one's best thinking given time available; draw correct and reasonable conclusions based on data and information; make appropriate decisions in a timely manner regardless of pressure or uncertainty; make decisions quickly when called to do so; consider budgetary impact of decisions.
  • Plan / Organize: Determine objectives and strategies required to deliver results; determine how to use resources efficiently to accomplish a task or project; consider budgetary impact of decisions.
  • Demonstrate Technical Knowledge and Skills: Apply technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keep up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise.
  • Build Trusting Partnerships: Develop and leverage collaborative relationships with internal and external colleagues based on mutual trust to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals; work cooperatively with stakeholders to identify and meet mutual goals.
  • Clearly Communicate: Clearly and succinctly convey information and ideas to individuals and groups; shape communication to the needs of the audience; convey ideas and opinions clearly to others; share relevant information and expectations openly, honestly and in a timely fashion; listen attentively to others.
  • Actively Learn: Demonstrate zeal for new information, knowledge, and experiences; regularly seek and capitalize on learning opportunities; quickly assimilate and apply new information.
  • Demonstrate Agility / Flexibility: Be open to changing conditions; adjust one's own behavior in light of changing conditions; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Required Documents
  • Resume.
  • Cover Letter.

Hiring Range
$97,000 - $136,900 Per Year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

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