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Observatory Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Observatory information

See Minnesota salary details

$6

$14

$20

How much do observatory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for observatory in Minnesota is $14.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an observatory?

An observatory is a facility or location equipped with instruments for observing astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena. Most often, observatories are associated with telescopes used to study stars, planets, and other objects in space. Some observatories also monitor Earth's atmosphere, weather, or seismic activity. They can be ground-based or space-based and play an essential role in scientific research and discovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an observatory technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Observatory Technician, you need a background in physics, astronomy, or engineering, along with hands-on experience in instrumentation and observatory operations. Familiarity with telescope control systems, data acquisition software, and possibly certifications in electronics or optics is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with scientists and ensuring optimal equipment performance. These skills are crucial to maintaining precise observations, supporting research activities, and ensuring the efficient functioning of observatory facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at an observatory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals at observatories often face challenges such as working irregular hours due to nighttime observations, maintaining complex equipment in remote locations, and adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions that can affect data collection. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as observatory staff often collaborate with researchers, engineers, and support personnel. Addressing these challenges typically involves strong organizational skills, ongoing technical training, and flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations, ensuring both the safety and success of observational projects.

What is the difference between Observatory vs Data Analyst?

AspectObservatoryData Analyst
Required credentialsTypically requires a background in science, research, or data managementRequires a degree in statistics, mathematics, or related fields
Work environmentResearch institutions, government agencies, or academic settingsCorporate, consulting firms, or research organizations
Employer and industry usageUsed for monitoring, data collection, and reporting in scientific or policy contextsUsed for analyzing data, generating reports, and supporting decision-making

While both roles involve working with data, an Observatory primarily focuses on data collection, monitoring, and reporting in scientific or research settings. A Data Analyst, on the other hand, specializes in analyzing data to extract insights and support business or organizational decisions. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in data-driven industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Observatory jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Observatory jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Observatory jobs in Minnesota?

For Observatory jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Observatory jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Observatory jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Observatory job openings in Minnesota as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,325 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Senior Electrical Controls Engineer

Plymouth, MN • On-site

Search Leaders, LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Senior Electrical Controls EngineerSearch Leaders, LLC Plymouth, Minnesota, United States About this position

Our client delivers custom mechanization and integrated engineering solutions for complex, one-of-a-kind structures and attractions across aerospace, entertainment, stadium, observatory, and specialty crane applications.

Position Responsibilities:

This senior engineering role leads the development and execution of sophisticated electrical control systems while building the leadership, project management, and team coordination capabilities needed for advancement into engineering management.

  • Lead concept development and engineering design for complex electrical control systems.
  • Direct and contribute to design documentation, schematics, electrical panel design, PLC and HMI programming, field installation, and project commissioning.
  • Foster a collaborative engineering environment centered on accountability, continuous improvement, professional development, and knowledge sharing.
  • Coordinate across engineering disciplines, project management teams, and external stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
  • Develop and maintain departmental processes that align engineering practices with industry standards and quality expectations.
  • Drive initiatives that improve team efficiency, control costs, and strengthen the quality of engineering deliverables.
  • Support project budgeting, scheduling, and scope management while maintaining alignment with client expectations.
  • Guide engineers on system architecture, design reviews, and technology and tool adoption.
  • Provide technical leadership during field commissioning, system startup, and ongoing maintenance activities.
  • Establish and maintain departmental procedures that support broader organizational objectives.

Management Track

  • This senior engineering role is designed for an experienced controls engineer who wants to continue leading complex technical work while developing the leadership, project management, and team coordination capabilities needed for advancement into an Engineering Manager role.

Position requirements:

  • Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR requirements due to access to export-controlled technical data.
  • B.S. degree from an ABET-accredited institution in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent control system design and programming skills.
  • 10+ years of electrical controls experience with a bachelor’s degree or 7+ years with a master’s degree.
  • Demonstrated design expertise with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and motor controllers.
  • Proven leadership capabilities, including mentoring, coaching, and developing engineers across experience levels.
  • Ability to cultivate a collaborative, accountable, innovative, and continuous-learning team environment.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams while maintaining organizational alignment and driving successful project delivery.
  • Strong analytical and logical problem-solving capabilities with an aptitude for developing innovative technical solutions.
  • Ability to research, integrate, and apply emerging technologies to unprecedented engineering challenges with minimal oversight.
  • Strong understanding of team dynamics with the ability to remove obstacles and facilitate effective communication across departments.
  • Ability to lead by example while maintaining high standards for ethics, quality, safety, and schedule performance.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for project installation and commissioning, approximately 5–10% of the time.

Preferred Requirements:

  • M.S. degree from an ABET-accredited institution in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration.
  • Proficiency with Rockwell and Siemens controls hardware and software.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, Eplan, or comparable electrical drafting software.

Reasons to Apply:

  • Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Health coverage, retirement plans, and other company-sponsored perks.
  • Generous paid time off, including holidays, to support work-life balance.
  • Flexible schedules and work life balance.
  • Strong focus on employee development with on-the-job training and career growth.
  • A positive company culture that values diversity and collaboration.

Our client delivers custom mechanization and integrated engineering solutions for complex, one-of-a-kind structures and attractions across aerospace, entertainment, stadium, observatory, and specialty crane applications.

Position Responsibilities:

This senior engineering role leads the development and execution of sophisticated electrical control systems while building the leadership, project management, and team coordination capabilities needed for advancement into engineering management.

  • Lead concept development and engineering design for complex electrical control systems.
  • Direct and contribute to design documentation, schematics, electrical panel design, PLC and HMI programming, field installation, and project commissioning.
  • Foster a collaborative engineering environment centered on accountability, continuous improvement, professional development, and knowledge sharing.
  • Coordinate across engineering disciplines, project management teams, and external stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
  • Develop and maintain departmental processes that align engineering practices with industry standards and quality expectations.
  • Drive initiatives that improve team efficiency, control costs, and strengthen the quality of engineering deliverables.
  • Support project budgeting, scheduling, and scope management while maintaining alignment with client expectations.
  • Guide engineers on system architecture, design reviews, and technology and tool adoption.
  • Provide technical leadership during field commissioning, system startup, and ongoing maintenance activities.
  • Establish and maintain departmental procedures that support broader organizational objectives.

Management Track

  • This senior engineering role is designed for an experienced controls engineer who wants to continue leading complex technical work while developing the leadership, project management, and team coordination capabilities needed for advancement into an Engineering Manager role.

Position requirements:

  • Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR requirements due to access to export-controlled technical data.
  • B.S. degree from an ABET-accredited institution in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent control system design and programming skills.
  • 10+ years of electrical controls experience with a bachelor’s degree or 7+ years with a master’s degree.
  • Demonstrated design expertise with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and motor controllers.
  • Proven leadership capabilities, including mentoring, coaching, and developing engineers across experience levels.
  • Ability to cultivate a collaborative, accountable, innovative, and continuous-learning team environment.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams while maintaining organizational alignment and driving successful project delivery.
  • Strong analytical and logical problem-solving capabilities with an aptitude for developing innovative technical solutions.
  • Ability to research, integrate, and apply emerging technologies to unprecedented engineering challenges with minimal oversight.
  • Strong understanding of team dynamics with the ability to remove obstacles and facilitate effective communication across departments.
  • Ability to lead by example while maintaining high standards for ethics, quality, safety, and schedule performance.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for project installation and commissioning, approximately 5–10% of the time.

Preferred Requirements:

  • M.S. degree from an ABET-accredited institution in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration.
  • Proficiency with Rockwell and Siemens controls hardware and software.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, Eplan, or comparable electrical drafting software.

Reasons to Apply:

  • Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Health coverage, retirement plans, and other company-sponsored perks.
  • Generous paid time off, including holidays, to support work-life balance.
  • Flexible schedules and work life balance.
  • Strong focus on employee development with on-the-job training and career growth.
  • A positive company culture that values diversity and collaboration.
The pay range for this role is:
135,000 - 175,000 USD per year(Plymouth, MN)Salary Information
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