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Keck Observatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W. M. Keck Observatory

Controller

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$124K - $152K/yr

M. Keck Observatory Are you ready for your next role to truly make an impact ? Wondering how your financial leadership could elevate an organization with a mission that reaches far beyond the ...

W. M. Keck Observatory

Controller

Kamuela, HI

$124K - $152K/yr

M. Keck Observatory Are you ready for your next role to truly make an impact ? Wondering how your financial leadership could elevate an organization with a mission that reaches far beyond the ...

W. M. Keck Observatory

Staff Astronomer I

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$83K - $100K/yr

Keck Observatory, we enable groundbreaking discoveries that expand humanity's understanding of the universe. We are seeking a Staff Astronomer I to join our Observing Support team and help deliver ...

W. M. Keck Observatory

Staff Astronomer I

Kamuela, HI

$83K - $125K/yr

Keck Observatory, we enable groundbreaking discoveries that expand humanity's understanding of the universe. We are seeking a Staff Astronomer I to join our Observing Support team and help deliver ...

W. M. Keck Observatory

Chief Financial Officer

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$183K - $229K/yr

M. Keck Observatory, our mission is to expand humanity's understanding of the universe-while honoring our responsibility to the land, community, and future generations. As we look ahead to our Keck ...

W. M. Keck Observatory

Chief Financial Officer

Waimea, HI · On-site

$183.14 - $229.71/hr

Keck Observatory, our mission is to expand humanity's understanding of the universe--while honoring our responsibility to the land, community, and future generations. As we look ahead to our Keck ...

Sakoda Construction, LLC

Be Seen First

Carpenter

Hilo, HI · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

We do mostly tenant improvement for the hospital system, UHH, keck observatory, and doctors offices. We do have some prevailing wage jobs as well. Most of the work is located in Hilo, but we do some ...

Caltech

Application Developer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$40 - $47/hr

You will work with a vibrant team of scientists and developers to prepare for t 2030s when Keck Observatory Archive to ingest and serve massive and complex new data sets delivered by new instruments.

Caltech

Staff Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Caltech also operates large-scale research facilities such as the Palomar Observatory, Keck Observatory, and LIGO, which in 2016 observed gravitational waves from colliding black holes for the first ...

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How much do keck observatory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for keck observatory in the United States is $32.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $51.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Keck Observatory position, and why are they important?

To excel in a position at Keck Observatory, candidates generally need a strong background in astronomy, physics, or engineering, often with an advanced degree in a relevant scientific or technical field. Experience with astronomical instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and specialized software such as Python, IDL, or telescope control platforms is crucial. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication skills help individuals collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary research setting. These abilities are vital to ensuring the observatory's research goals are met and technological systems operate smoothly for groundbreaking discoveries.

What is a Keck Observatory job?

A Keck Observatory job refers to a position at the W. M. Keck Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research facility in Hawaii. Employees work in various roles, including astronomy, engineering, software development, administration, and technical support. These jobs contribute to the operation and maintenance of the twin Keck telescopes, which help scientists explore the universe. Positions may require specialized skills, scientific expertise, or technical experience, depending on the role.

What types of projects or research will I typically be involved with at Keck Observatory?

At Keck Observatory, you will work on a range of cutting-edge astronomical research projects, from operating and maintaining world-class telescopes to developing and deploying new scientific instruments. Daily responsibilities may include supporting observing runs for international research teams, calibrating equipment, and analyzing data to facilitate major discoveries. Collaboration with scientists, engineers, and IT specialists is an integral part of the role, fostering a dynamic and innovative environment. This hands-on experience not only advances fundamental knowledge of the universe but can also lead to opportunities for publishing scientific papers and advancing into senior technical or research positions.

More about Keck Observatory jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Keck Observatory jobs? The most popular types of Keck Observatory jobs are:
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Keck Observatory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Keck Observatory job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,863 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
Precision Radial Velocity (PRV) Operations Scientist

Precision Radial Velocity (PRV) Operations Scientist

W. M. Keck Observatory

Kamuela, HI

$94K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description


Help Discover New Worlds from One of the World's Leading Observatories

At W. M. Keck Observatory, we are driven by a shared mission: to advance the frontiers of astronomy while inspiring discovery, innovation, and stewardship. We are seeking a Precision Radial Velocity (PRV) Operations Scientist to help lead scientific operations and advancement of Keck's precision radial velocity capabilities, with a focus on the Keck Planet Finder instrument, enabling groundbreaking exoplanet science and supporting the next generation of astronomical discovery.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of telescope operations, instrumentation, data quality, and scientific research. The successful candidate will collaborate with Observatory scientists, engineers, software developers, and the broader exoplanet radial velocity community to optimize precision radial velocity observations and maximize the scientific impact of Keck's world-class facilities.

The PRV Operations Scientist serves as a scientific and operational expert supporting high-precision radial velocity observing programs. This scientist will work closely with instrument teams, observing astronomers, and researchers to ensure operational excellence, data quality, and continuous improvement of PRV-related observing capabilities.
The role combines scientific expertise, operational leadership, user support, and collaborative research in support of Keck's mission and strategic goals.
Our Mission & Values

At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery while honoring our responsibility to people, place, and community.
We are guided by core values rooted in:
  • Stewardship - We care for our people, facilities, environment, and community with integrity and long-term responsibility. 
  • Service - We prioritize collective impact, supporting one another, the global astronomy community, and our local Hawaii community to achieve shared goals. 
  • Collaboration & Inclusion - We work across disciplines and perspectives to solve complex challenges and advance discovery together. 
  • Excellence & Safety - We deliver high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety in everything we do. 
Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:
  • Competitive starting annual compensation ranging from $94,966 to $114,760.
  • Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
  • Robust 403(b) retirement plan featuring an 8% employer contribution with a 4% mandatory employee contribution.
  • Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai'i Island.
  • Comprehensive employer-provided health insurance, with a variety of coverage options available to employees.
  • Opportunity to be part of a dedicated team advancing the frontiers of astronomy

  •  Establish routine checks of Precision Radial Velocity Instrument (PRVI) system health and performance at the full system (RVs) and subsystem level. This will include development of software algorithms executed in the PRVI data reduction pipeline to assess various aspects of PRVI data quality. 
  • Provide continuous monitoring of PRVI system health and performance using automated checks and manual inspections based on a detailed understanding of instrument and subsystem requirements as well as calibration data quality.
  • Work closely with the PRV Instrument Scientists, the PRVI DRP development teams, and the PRVI instrument development teams to take leadership on technical and scientific instrument support.
  • Serve as the primary conduit between the instrument/observatory and the PRVI users on technical issues not under the purview of the PRVI Instrument Scientists.
  • Provide technical and scientific leadership in instrument maintenance activities, responsive and preventative, for all PRVI subsystems.
  • Interact with vendors of PRVI components (e.g., the laser frequency comb) to maintain regular performance within specifications.
  • Support PRVI system upgrades that are endorsed by WMKO management.
Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or equivalent degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering; relevant professional experience may be substituted for a degree.
Experience
  • Experience with high resolution spectroscopic data, data reduction pipelines, and data processing techniques
  • Expertise with radial velocity measurement techniques, including precise wavelength calibration and stellar Doppler measurements.
  • Expertise in the use of astronomical instrumentation, preferably spectroscopic systems
Skills
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, plan activities, and meet deadlines
  • Microsoft Office Proficiency.
  • Ability to effectively deliver impactful presentations to a technical and non-technical audience. 
Technical Competencies
  • Ability to interpret complex data, solve problems, and make predictions based on empirical evidence.
  • Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis and simulations (e.g., Python, C/C++, IDL, R, Bash/Shell scripting).
  • Ability to create or use data processing pipelines to handle large volumes of data, including calibration, cleaning, and extraction of useful information.
  • Knowledge of cloud computing and data storage solutions to manage large datasets.
  • Ability to write scientific papers and produce technical documentation. 

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