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South Pole Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Chicago

South Pole Machinist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

JC South Pole About the Department The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at ...

Leidos

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Gana-A'Yoo, Limited - Antarctic Program

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How much do south pole jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for south pole in the United States is $70,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a South Pole?

A South Pole job typically refers to employment at research stations in Antarctica, such as the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. These jobs range from scientific research roles to support positions like engineering, cooking, and logistics. Employees work in extreme cold and isolation, often on contracts lasting several months. Many roles require specialized skills, rigorous physical exams, and adaptability to harsh conditions.

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

To thrive as a South Pole scientist or station staff member, you need expertise in your scientific or technical field (such as atmospheric science, engineering, or logistics) as well as relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with specialized equipment, cold-weather gear, and safety protocols are essential due to the extreme environment. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills are highly valued given the remote, close-knit nature of life at the South Pole. These skills and qualifications ensure safety, successful research, and effective collaboration in one of the most challenging and unique workplaces on earth.

What are some of the biggest challenges of working at the South Pole station, and how are they addressed?

Working at the South Pole presents unique challenges such as extreme cold, months of darkness or continuous daylight, and isolation from the outside world. Staff members receive extensive training on safety, emergency protocols, and psychological resilience before deployment, and ongoing support is provided to help manage both physical and mental health. Teamwork is crucial, as residents rely on each other both professionally and socially during long periods of confinement. Additionally, the station is well-equipped with facilities for recreation, communication with family, and access to medical care to help overcome these challenges.

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Infographic showing various South Pole job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,999 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

South Pole Machinist

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department
PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: JC South Pole
About the Department
The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in Antarctica. The Machinist works as part of a team to provide on-site machinist services to scientists and engineers from several universities.
Job Summary
The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in Antarctica. The Machinist works as part of a team to provide on-site machinist services to scientists and engineers from several universities.
A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately eleven months, is required.
The position begins 1/15/2027 and ends 11/30/2027.
Responsibilities
  • Maintain and operate the MAPO machine shop.
  • Provide machining support for all science projects and the NSF Station.
  • Assist with the assembly and set-up of scientific equipment.
  • Assist with the testing, integration and maintenance of electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer and electronic components.
  • Climb, operate machines and power tools outside of MAPO machine shop.
  • Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.
  • Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
  • Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
  • Multiple years of experience with machining and working with complex instruments.
  • In addition, preference will be given to candidates with experience with telescopes and mechanical systems, including electrical systems, servo systems, and cryogenic systems, as well as radio, analog, and digital electronics.

Preferred Competencies
  • Good problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.
  • Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.
  • Planning; attention to detail; analytic and quantitative skills; reading; self-motivation; problem-solving; math; reasoning; oral and written communications; ability to manage time pressures.

Working Conditions
  • A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately eleven months, is required.
  • Due to the job site, good physical health is required.
  • Must be able to work in a cold, harsh environment.
  • Must pass physical and mental qualifying exams before employment.
  • Must be able to Climb on the telescope, bend, reach, lift and use machines and power tools.

Application Documents
  • Resume (required)
  • Cover letter (required)
  • References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$75,000.00 - $100,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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