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Full Time Telescope Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

aui

Security Manager

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

... Telescope in West Virginia, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, and the ... The NRAO's Environment, Safety and Security Department is seeking a full-time Seurity Manager to ...

aui

Security Manager

Charlottesville, VA

... Telescope in West Virginia, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, and the ... The NRAO's Environment, Safety and Security Department is seeking a full-time Seurity Manager to ...

aui

Security Manager

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

... Telescope in West Virginia, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, and the ... The NRAO's Environment, Safety and Security Department is seeking a full-time Seurity Manager to ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly ... The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA.

OffWorld

Lead Space Systems Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

www.offworld.ai Lead Space Systems Engineer Full time position based in Altadena, CA OffWorld is a ... Use advanced statistical techniques to define and understand telescope and other instrumentation ...

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How much do full time telescope operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time telescope operator in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by full time telescope operators and how can they be managed?

Full-time telescope operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular work hours, maintaining equipment in remote or harsh environments, and troubleshooting technical issues during observations. Managing these challenges involves strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with astronomers and technical teams, and staying current with software and hardware updates. Operators also benefit from structured training and regular collaboration with colleagues to ensure smooth operations and quick resolution of any unexpected issues during observations.

What does a full time telescope operator do?

A Full Time Telescope Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining telescopes at observatories or research facilities. Their duties include setting up and calibrating the telescope, conducting astronomical observations, ensuring equipment functions correctly, and recording data for scientists or researchers. They may also assist in troubleshooting technical issues and sometimes guide public or educational tours. This role requires knowledge of astronomy, computer systems, and technical equipment, as well as attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time telescope operator?

To thrive as a Full Time Telescope Operator, you need a solid background in astronomy, physics, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Experience with telescope control systems, astronomical imaging software, and data analysis tools is typically required, along with knowledge of observatory safety protocols. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for managing complex equipment and collaborating with research teams. These skills ensure precise data collection, efficient troubleshooting, and successful support of scientific research objectives.
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Full Time Telescope Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Telescope Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,098 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Microassembly Technician - Technical Specialist

Associated Universities, Inc.

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$33.66 - $43.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Description:
Position Summary
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.
At NRAO, we are recruiting a full-time, microassembly technician to join the Integrated Receiver Development (IRD) group at the Central Development Laboratory (CDL) in Charlottesville, VA. The IRD group is involved in the design and development of low-noise receivers, components, and novel concepts for radio astronomy instrumentation in the centimeter-wave, millimeter-wave, and submillimeter-wave frequency ranges, and is currently designing integrated receiver modules for the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
This position requires experience working under a microscope, handling and mounting bare semiconductor die, wire-bonding, soldering, and surface-mount circuit-board assembly. The position will also require probing custom chips and substrates using a wafer probe station, operating and maintaining a cryogenic refrigeration and measurement system, and testing microwave components using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
The location for this position will be based at the Central Development Laboratory located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
What You Will be Doing:
  • Assemble multichip integrated receiver modules:
    • Obtain quotes and order parts for integrated receiver modules from an engineer-provided design. This may include compiling a Bill-of-Materials (BOM) and exporting manufacturing files (e.g. Gerber, DXF, GDS) from given design models and layouts.
    • Organize and maintain stock of commonly used components as well as project-specific custom parts.
    • Interface with the in-house machine shop and chemistry lab for the fabrication of custom housings, brackets, and chassis.
    • Populate circuit boards with surface-mount components as small as 0402 in size.
    • Construct multichip modules from engineering design drawings, including picking chips from diced wafers with tweezers, attaching bare die using silver epoxy, wire-bonding, and micro-soldering, as-needed.
  • Test multichip integrated receiver modules:
  • Use a wafer probe station to characterize custom chips and substrates.
  • Use commercial VNAs, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, and other microwave test equipment characterize components, both on-wafer and in-package, both at room temperature and in a cryogenic environment.
  • Construct custom test cable harnesses, fixtures, and mounting brackets as-needed.
  • Record and analyze test data:
  • Maintain detailed records of test results, assembly procedures, and performance characteristics.
  • Document measurement conditions, test setups, and any observed anomalies.
  • Monitor, track, and maintain laboratory inventory:
  • Monitor inventory levels of critical lab supplies, including electronic components, adhesives, wire bonding materials, and test equipment accessories.
  • Collaborate with engineers to refine assembly and testing procedures:
  • Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and other technical personnel to refine assembly and test procedures.
  • Provide feedback to engineers to improve custom designs, especially as it concerns manufacturability and measurement procedures.

Work Environment
Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in a laboratory within a research and development environment.
Who You Are:
Education
  • You have an associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • While not required, a bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.

Experience
You have 10 years of experience in electrical/electronic technology, or a closely related field.
While not required, you may have:
  • Professional experience fabricating radio frequency or microwave components or systems.
  • Experience with common RF and microwave measurement equipment.
  • Experience assembling microwave or millimeter-wave components.

Skills and Competencies
  • Must be a methodical, motivated team player comfortable in an R&D environment.
  • Must be able to sit or stand at a bench for sustained periods.
  • High level of competency in Microsoft software products to manage and graph measurement results as well as other web-based systems.
  • Attention to detail is critical
  • Highly organized
  • Excellent communication skills to keep records and documentation

Physical Requirements
The candidate must be able to sit or stand at a bench for sustained periods. Visual acuity and manual dexterity are required, and this position requires lifting and carrying 50 pounds.
Additional Requirement
Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.
Total Rewards:
Compensation
The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $33.66-$43.62 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.
Benefits:
Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:
  • Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
  • Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
  • AUI's retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution.
  • Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:
Select the "Apply" button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20

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