2

Full Time Telescope Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... telescope to discover planets around M dwarfs and/or the high-precision RV survey of solar-type ... BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to ...

$114K/yr

... Telescope and WIYN telescope. Computing access is supplied by the Penn State Institute for ... BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to ...

... and Roman Space Telescope. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform basic or applied ... Ability to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship; work under the supervision of ...

... Telescope and Mars Rover missions. Our client is looking for a skilled Assembler to join the team in a full-time, direct-hire role. You'll perform precision assembly and testing while working to ...

... Webb Telescope and the Mars Rover. This is a full-time, temp-to-hire opportunity. In this role, you will be responsible for following military, aerospace, and company quality standards while ...

Systems Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer Type: Full-Time Location: Pasadena, CA Job Summary Reporting to the Lead Systems Engineer, the successful candidate will provide Systems Engineering (SE) support to the Science ...

Showing results 21-40

Full Time Telescope information

See salary details

$54K

$126.8K

$158K

How much do full time telescope jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time telescope in the United States is $126,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $144,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Telescope vs Part Time Telescope?

AspectFull Time TelescopePart Time Telescope
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
Employment StatusFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time employment, usually no benefits
CertificationsUsually requires similar certifications as part-time rolesSame certifications as full-time, but fewer hours
Work EnvironmentConsistent schedule, regular team interactionsFlexible schedule, variable hours

Full Time Telescope roles involve regular, full-week work hours with benefits, while Part Time Telescope positions offer fewer hours and more flexibility. Both roles typically require similar qualifications and certifications, but differ mainly in hours and employment benefits.

More about Full Time Telescope jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Telescope jobs? The most popular types of Telescope jobs are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Telescope job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 68% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,844 per year, or $61 per hour.

Research Optical Technician, Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab (Steward Observatory)

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$20.33 - $25.41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Optical Technician, Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab (Steward Observatory)
Posting Number
req26125
Department
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link
https://astro.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply to the role of Research Optical Technician. The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab is a one of a kind facility producing telescope mirrors from 3m to 8.4m in diameter that are used in telescopes around the world. In this entry-level position, you will support hands-on operation of mirror grinding and polishing equipment, measurement instruments, and transport equipment used during mirror fabrication.
The Research Optical Technician will work with a team during a 12-hour shift running from 9:00 AM through 9:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
At the Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory within the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, scientists, engineers, and technicians are pioneering the future of astronomy through the design and fabrication of some of the world's largest and most advanced telescope mirrors. Since 1980, the Mirror Lab has led groundbreaking innovations in lightweight honeycomb mirror technology, producing mirrors with unprecedented surface accuracy that are transforming how the universe is explored in optical and infrared light. Joining the Mirror Lab means becoming part of a collaborative team whose work is expanding the boundaries of scientific discovery and helping humanity better understand the universe.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
  • Set-up, operate, and maintain optical fabrication equipment to include a Large Optical Generator (LOG) and a Large Polishing Machine (LPM), under direct supervision by following established procedures, safety standards, and production requirements.
  • Assemble, align, and test optical components and systems according to experimental specifications and laboratory protocols.
  • Troubleshoot optical setups, identify sources of error, and implement corrective actions to maintain experimental reliability.
  • Support movement and handling of mirrors throughout the lab using an air cart within inches of fixed obstacles.
  • Work with a team to collect measurements and data to evaluate mirrors' conformance to scientists' and engineers' specifications including HREP, SCOTS, Test Plate, and Laser Tracker Measurements.
  • Maintain operational records by documenting machine runs, measurements, machine parameters, and results of runs notes in logbooks, spreadsheets, and daily reports according to department standards.
  • Learn and apply laboratory safety procedures, equipment operating requirements, and technical processes related to optical fabrication and large-scale mirror production.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift/move/transport up to 50 lbs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to acquire basic knowledge of job content, practices and procedures.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.

Preferred Qualifications
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$20.33 - $25.41
Compensation Type
hourly rate
Grade
5
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
OC1
Job Family
Research Engineering
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
5
Target Hire Date
6/22/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Chip Ragan
Manager, Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab
cragan@arizona.edu
Open Date
5/29/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

What University Of Arizona employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom