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Overnight Telescope Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$87 - $113/hr

... to telescope operators and other technical staff. * Travel to operation sites with occasional overnight stays. * Lead the engineering phase of projects, providing direction and coordination to ...

Overnight Telescope Operator information

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$12

$23

$39

How much do overnight telescope operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight 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.

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States with the most job openings for Overnight Telescope Operator jobs include:

R&D Electrical Engineer III, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

  • Support operations for telescopes operated by Steward Observatory in southern Arizona, including telescopes on Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, Mt. Lemmon, and Mt. Bigelow.
  • Identify complex operating and performance problems and implement solutions.
  • Support operations including troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of equipment at telescope sites, providing guidance to telescope operators and other technical staff.
  • Travel to operation sites with occasional overnight stays.
  • Lead the engineering phase of projects, providing direction and coordination to engineers and technicians.
  • Independently devise criteria for design, development, implementation, and commissioning of new electrical, electro-mechanical, and control systems for the telescopes and facilities.
  • Improve and optimize systems.
  • Oversee and provide engineering design and analysis to other Steward Observatory projects.
  • Additional duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of electrical engineering principles and electro-mechanical systems.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
  • Ability to communicate technical information effectively to multidisciplinary teams, translating complex engineering concepts into actionable guidance for technical and operational personnel.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently with minimal supervision, and adapt to changing operational needs in a research environment.
  • Ability to work safely and effectively in remote field environments, including traveling to mountaintop observatories and supporting operations under varying environmental and weather conditions.
  • Skill in diagnosing and resolving complex electrical, control system, and equipment performance issues.

Physical Requirements: 

  • Ability to lift/transport up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to routinely climb stairs and ladders at various altitudes. 
  • Ability to work for extended periods of time at remote sites with elevations up to 11,000 feet.
  • Ability to work in extreme mountain weather conditions.
  • Ability to install snow chains and drive a 4x4 vehicle on mountain roads.
  • Ability to work at heights. 
  • Ability to work long, irregular shifts and to take occasional after-hours call-outs, including during nights, weekends, and holidays.

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