1

Space Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

As Director of Data Science, you will lead the team responsible for Numerator's consumer panel ... Experience with Bayesian statistics, hierarchical modeling, probabilistic inference, or state-space ...

Medical Science Liaison - MSL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $191/hr

Clinical experience in surgery space desired. * Demonstrates ability to present approved scientific data to HCPs in both group and individual settings. * Ability to interpret complicated clinical and ...

Showing results 21-40

Space Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$298.5K

$314.4K

$328.9K

How much do space science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for space science in Chicago, IL is $314,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $306,700.00 and $322,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is space science?

Space science is the study of everything in outer space, including planets, stars, galaxies, and the physics that governs them. It encompasses disciplines such as astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and space exploration. Professionals in this field use telescopes, satellites, and spacecraft to observe and analyze celestial phenomena. Space science helps us understand the origins of the universe, the possibility of life elsewhere, and the future of space exploration.

What are space science careers?

There are a wide variety of space science careers to choose from that involve all aspects of studying the earth, atmosphere, other planets, and the exploration of the universe. NASA provides many employment opportunities aside from becoming an astronaut. As a space scientist, you conduct research and studies in a specialty field such as biology, chemistry, meteorology, physics, geology, or even pharmacology, in which you use substances from space to develop new medications. Engineers have responsibilities including developing advanced technology such as satellites and the spacecraft that make space exploration possible. Specialties as an engineer include robotics, telecommunication, computers, avionics, instrumentation, and more. There are also technologists and technicians whose duties revolve around working with the engineer to test this technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a space scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Space Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, astronomy, and often a Ph.D. in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, satellite instrumentation, programming languages like Python or MATLAB, and experience with telescopic and spacecraft systems are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective scientific communication are vital soft skills. These competencies enable Space Scientists to conduct meaningful research, interpret complex data, and collaborate on missions that advance our understanding of the universe.

What are some common challenges faced by space scientists when working on research projects?

Space scientists often encounter challenges such as limited access to specialized equipment, strict project timelines, and the need to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across different organizations or countries. Additionally, securing funding for research and navigating the complexities of data analysis from space missions can be demanding. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and perseverance are important for overcoming these obstacles and successfully contributing to scientific advancements in the field.

Is space science a good career?

Space science is a specialized field that involves studying celestial bodies, astrophysics, and space technology, often requiring advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. Skills in mathematics, programming, and data analysis are important, and employment can be found in research institutions, government agencies, and aerospace companies. The career can be competitive but offers opportunities for contributing to scientific discovery and technological innovation.

What jobs are there in space science?

Space science offers a variety of careers including astrophysicist, planetary scientist, aerospace engineer, mission analyst, and space technician. These roles often require strong backgrounds in physics, engineering, or astronomy, and may involve working with telescopes, spacecraft, or data analysis tools in research institutions, government agencies, or private companies.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Space Science jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Space Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Space Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $314,442 per year, or $151.2 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

At Numerator, understanding consumers begins with one of the industry's richest and most comprehensive views of real-world purchasing behavior. For more than a decade, Numerator has pioneered and led the science of representing consumer purchasing behavior across retailers, channels, brands, categories, demographics, and geographies.

As Director of Data Science, you will lead the team responsible for Numerator's consumer panel - the quality, currency, and representativeness of the signal at the heart of our data. Your team owns how well the panel reflects the population, how we understand where it doesn't, and the methodologies that keep it accurate, current, and trustworthy. You'll partner closely with Market Science, Engineering, Product, and GTM to turn that signal into products and estimates clients rely on.

We're looking for a leader who enjoys challenging assumptions, translating client needs into innovation, and developing exceptional data scientists. You should be equally comfortable debating statistical methodology, mentoring a team, partnering with Engineering and Product, and explaining complex concepts in language that drives better business decisions.

What You'll Do:

Team Leadership:

  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of data scientists and data science managers focused on consumer behavior, panel methodology, and measurement science
  • Grow the leaders on your team - developing managers, not only individual contributors - and raise the technical bar through mentorship, methodology reviews, and adoption of modern statistical approaches
  • Foster a culture of scientific curiosity, rigor, and peer review, where decisions are grounded in evidence and healthy debate rather than precedent or intuition
  • Build an AI-native data science team by thoughtfully integrating AI into research, experimentation, software development, and scientific workflows - helping scientists move faster while maintaining rigorous standards
  • Maintain regular engagement with clients to deepen understanding of their challenges, build confidence in Numerator's methodology, and keep client needs central to the team's priorities

Consumer Science & Methodology

  • Own the quality, currency, and representativeness of the panel signal end to end - advancing methods for attribution completeness, compliance, anomaly detection, and keeping panelist demographics current
  • Characterize how the panel represents - and mis-represents - the population, treating that as a first-class, proactive modeling discipline rather than reactive data cleanup
  • Steward the panel as a living asset, partnering across the business on recruitment, engagement, and panel health, and turning evidence of where the panel is thin into targeted, prioritized investment
  • Design methodologies that improve the stability, consistency, explainability, and scientific defensibility of Numerator's consumer data

Statistical Innovation

  • Challenge existing approaches through first-principles thinking, and research, prototype, and productionize new statistical and machine learning methods where they strengthen the platform
  • Partner with Market Science to advance the statistical foundations of Numerator's products

Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Partner closely with Market Science, Engineering, Product, and GTM - contributing the deep panel understanding that powers the broader measurement system, and translating scientific advances into scalable product capabilities
  • Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Balance scientific rigor with practical business impact and client value

Skills & Requirements

  • 8+ years applying advanced statistical modeling to large, complex, real-world datasets
  • Experience leading data science teams, including developing managers or leading through other leaders
  • Deep expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and probabilistic reasoning
  • Strong grounding in panel, survey, or sampling methodology - weighting, representativeness, and measurement science
  • Experience working with noisy observational data and developing methods to improve data quality, representativeness, or inference
  • Experience developing production methodologies rather than exploratory analyses, and designing statistical systems rather than simply applying existing techniques
  • Strong programming skills in Python, with working knowledge of SQL
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex statistical concepts to diverse audiences, including external/client audiences

You'll stand out if you have:

  • Experience with Bayesian statistics, hierarchical modeling, probabilistic inference, or state-space models
  • Experience with causal inference, experimental design, or behavioral modeling
  • Experience developing statistical methods for consumer, retail, marketing, or longitudinal datasets
  • A demonstrated ability to challenge existing methodologies and introduce new scientific approaches into production
  • A systems-thinking approach that considers how improvements in one area influence the broader measurement platform

There is strength in numbers - We are the Numerati

Numerator is 2,000 employees strong. We have the confidence to be real and embrace what makes each Numerati unique. Our diverse experiences, ideas and backgrounds fuel our innovation.

Being part of the Numerati means that we'll take care of you! From our Recharge Days, maximum flexibility policy, wellness resources for employees and their families, development opportunities and much more - we're always finding ways to better support, celebrate and accelerate our team.