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Telescope Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

EMC Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$97K - $160K/yr

The telescope will conduct a broad range of research, including the study of the formation of ... This role will support the Lead Project Engineer and the management team to help make this project ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

This role spans the transmitter beam path, the ground receive telescope, and beam diagnostic systems. You will work closely with laser, mechanical, and systems engineers to deliver a working end-to ...

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How much do telescope engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for telescope engineer in California is $52.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.69 and $61.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a telescope engineer do?

A Telescope Engineer designs, builds, tests, and maintains telescopes and their components, ensuring optimal performance for astronomical observations. They work with optics, mechanics, electronics, and software to develop and troubleshoot systems used in research or industry. Their role often involves collaborating with scientists to improve telescope systems and integrate new technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a telescope engineer?

To thrive as a Telescope Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, optical, and electrical engineering, often supported by a degree in engineering or applied physics. Familiarity with CAD software, optical design tools (such as Zemax or Code V), and experience with control systems programming and precision instrumentation is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set candidates apart. These competencies are essential to ensure the development, maintenance, and optimization of complex telescope systems for research, industrial, or observatory environments.

How do you become a telescope engineer?

To become a telescope engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field is required, often supplemented by experience with optical systems, mechanical design, or electronics. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or projects and developing skills in CAD software and optical alignment are also important steps in the career path.

How much do telescope engineers make?

Telescope engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those working on specialized projects can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced skills in optics, electronics, and software development.

What are popular job titles related to Telescope Engineer jobs in California?

For Telescope Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Telescope Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Telescope Engineer jobs in California are:

Telescope Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telescope Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,091 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Deputy Element Manager, Wavefront Sensing & Control

Giant Magellan Telescope

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Title: Deputy Element Manager, Wavefront Sensing & Control
Element: Wavefront Sensing & Control
Manager: Wavefront Sensing & Control Manager
Type: Full time
Location: Pasadena, CA
Job Summary
The Deputy Element Manager (DEM) of the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) Wavefront Sensing & Control (WFSC) Element will assume a leadership role in bringing the WFSC subsystems design to full maturity and planning their final integration, test and delivery. The current phase of GMT's WFSC development is opportunity-rich for creative solutions and significant contributions to the detailed design of a cutting edge Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) on the frontiers of astronomy. The WFSC Deputy Element Manager will collaborate with the WFSC Element Manager in oversight of the team responsible for technical work while reporting to the WFSC Element Manager. The DEM will provide leadership in the execution and coordination of technical scope and schedule.. The DEM may transition into the role of WFSC Element Manager following several months in the Deputy Manager role.
The Deputy Element Manager's responsibilities include management and technical oversight of the AO system engineering and the design of the WFSC hardware subsystems under development both internally and by GMTO partner institutions and industrial vendors. The WFSC Deputy Element Manager will collaborate with the WFSC Element Manager to lead completion of the final designs of the seven hardware subsystems. With time the DEM will take ownership of some of the subsystems. The DEM will also provide oversight of the testbed operations, allocation of resources across subsystems and systems engineering activities, planning and tracking of cost, schedule, risks and reporting of earned value to senior management. The WFSC final design phase includes review and update of subsystem requirements as well as maturation of the conceptual plans for assembly, integration, test (AIT) and performance verification of these subsystems and the AO control algorithms in the Adaptive Optics labs in Italy and at GMTO Las Campanas Observatory site.
Job Duties
The Deputy Element Manager of WFSC will:
  • Report to and collaborate with the Wavefront Sensing and Control Element Manager to ensure technical designs are traceable to system-level requirements.
  • Work with the WFSC Senior Project Coordinator to plan, manage and track tasks, resources, and deliverables related to AO subsystem development.
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight of GMTO partner institutions and subcontractors responsible for executing GMTO's outsourced designs, testbeds and prototypes.
  • Plan, convene and coordinate external independent reviews of WFSC final designs.
  • Supervise as well as prepare and deliver presentations at GMTO technical gate reviews and conferences.
  • Coordinate with other organizational elements across the GMT Project to mature interfaces and to identify and manage interdependencies between WFSC and other Project elements.
  • Review and understand test results of optical/electronic/mechanical prototypes designed to validate designs and/or burn down performance risks.
  • Own and ensure delivery of WFSC milestones including NSF reports, financial and schedule performance status. Delegate delivery of internal technical documentation of the GMT AO subsystem requirements, design and performance.
  • Participate in the procurement and testing of AO-related subsystems such as wavefront sensors, calibration sources, real-time computer systems and/or laser guide star facility subsystems.
  • Lead the the AO laboratory verification of the performance of the WFSC subsystems and the AO control algorithms correcting for atmospheric disturbances and segment phase piston errors as well as the final site acceptance testing and delivery of AO subsystems to telescope commissioning.
  • Contribute to key technical decisions impacting subsystem design, integration, and performance.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
  • M.S. degree in optical science, astronomy, physics, or a related field
  • Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in optical systems, adaptive optics, or related complex engineering programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-functional global collaborative team environment
  • Experience in the following areas:
    • Management and delivery of Adaptive Optics systems or astronomical instruments and key components such as cameras, detectors, deformable mirrors
    • Optical Systems Engineering
    • Hands-on experience developing adaptive optics systems and/or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) optical testbeds
    • Management on either the programmatic or people-management side
  • Basic understanding of simulations, modeling techniques, components, and testing methods
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills
  • Willingness to travel to foreign and domestic vendor and observatory locations as the need arises

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
  • Ph.D. degree in optical science, astronomy, physics, or a related field
  • Experience in technical management of state-of-the-art complex systems including creation of budgets and schedules
  • Experience in Real time controls and Systems Engineering
  • Experience operating in a laboratory environment with personnel and hardware safety protocol
  • Hands-on experience developing and testing astronomical adaptive optics systems, astronomical instruments and/or laboratory optical testbeds
  • Experience with earned value management techniques

Working Conditions:
  • Normal office and clean room laboratory environments
  • Hybrid

Direct reports
  • 1-2 direct reports initially, with expected expansion over time.

Hiring Range
$175,000- $215,000
The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.
Featured Benefits
  • Medical insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.

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