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Telescope Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Perform optomechanicaldesign of telescope andpayloadsubsystems including mirrors, lenses, mounts ... Apply precision engineering methodologies including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal ...

Observable Space

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Design and optimize mechanical and optomechanical components (e.g., telescope tubes, mounts, enclosures, optical supports). * Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and bills of ...

Teledyne

Characterization Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$96K - $128K/yr

Join Teledyne Imaging Sensors as a Product Validation and Characterization Engineer! Are you ready ... Our infrared sensors are "Everywhere You Look" - from the James Webb Space Telescope to climate ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Characterization Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$96K - $128K/yr

Join Teledyne Imaging Sensors as a Product Validation and Characterization Engineer! Are you ready ... Our infrared sensors are "Everywhere You Look"™ - from the James Webb Space Telescope to climate ...

LLNL

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Perform optomechanical design of telescope and payload subsystems including mirrors, lenses, mounts ... Apply precision engineering methodologies including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal ...

Teledyne

Process Quality Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

Join Teledyne Imaging Sensors as a Quality Engineer! Are you ready to launch your career to the ... Our infrared sensors are "Everywhere You Look" - from the James Webb Space Telescope to climate ...

LLNL

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

Perform optomechanical design of telescope and payload subsystems including mirrors, lenses, mounts ... Apply precision engineering methodologies including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Facilities Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$96K - $128K/yr

... Telescope to supporting critical climate research initiatives. As a Facilities Engineer, you will ... play an important role in maintaining and improving the infrastructure, utilities, and facility ...

FLIR Systems, Inc.

Facilities Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$97 - $129/hr

Join Teledyne Imaging Sensors as a Facilities Engineer! Are you ready to launch your career to the ... Our infrared sensors are Everywhere You Look - from the James Webb Space Telescope to climate ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Process Quality Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

Join Teledyne Imaging Sensors as a Quality Engineer! Are you ready to launch your career to the ... Our infrared sensors are "Everywhere You Look"™ - from the James Webb Space Telescope to climate ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsTelescope Engineer JobsTelescope Engineer Jobs in California

Telescope Engineer information

See California salary details

$25

$52

$75

How much do telescope engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,091 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Opto-Mechanical Engineer III - 084QE

Quartus Engineering

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$94K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Quartus

Quartus Engineering Incorporated (www.quartus.com) is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.

About Aerospace Sector

Quartus is a key contributor to aerospace advancements, specializing in engineering simulation and custom hardware. We’ve played a vital role in a diverse range of free space, launch and spacecraft projects including the NASA James Webb Space Telescope project for 17 years, covering design, analysis, and testing. Quartus is involved in leading in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) systems. Our expertise spans aircraft structural design, analysis, and testing, including support for FAA certifications. Quartus excels in commercial and defense aircraft applications, as well as custom optical systems like laser communications terminals and lidar payloads with both aerial and space applications.

What will you do?

As an Opto-Mechanical Engineer III in our Aerospace Sector, you will design and develop robust mechanics for high performance optical systems in challenging environments. You will work as part of a team of creative cross-disciplinary engineers to meet project and customer’s requirements and gain exposure to a wide variety of optical systems from airborne remote sensing to industrial automation and everything in between. At Quartus, you will be involved in the entire project lifecycle from concept and design to build and alignment.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Design and develop opto-mechanical assemblies and sub-systems
  • Design and build prototypes, create detailed drawings and instructions for production
  • Perform risk and tolerance analysis and perform subsystem FMEA’s
  • Drive appropriate mechanical design elements by building a tolerance budget for each component
  • Responsible for technical documentation (Models, CAD drawings, Simulations, BOMs, etc.) and preparing PowerPoint slides for customer design reviews
  • Work closely with program manager and customer on technical requirements
  • Work on projects independently, and with a multi-disciplined team of engineers and technicians
  • Effectively manage multiple tasks and juggle multiple projects
  • Mentor and assist junior engineers
 Location

Position is based in San Diego, CA with a hybrid schedule.*

*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.

What are we looking for?
  • BS and/or MS in Mechanical or similar Engineering field and/or equivalent experience
  • 4 - 8 years of experience in:
    • Opto-mechanical design and integration for high performance optical systems in challenging environments
    • Optical system design and opto-mechanical packaging
    • Design of electromechanical mechanisms and precision mechanics (kinematic mounts)
    • Heat transfer and design of thermal management solutions
    • GD&T application per ASME Y14.5M
    • Design using CAD/CAE software (Solidworks preferred)
    • Design validation using proper finite element analysis techniques
  • Must be a US Person (U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)
Compensation and Benefits

Opto-Mechanical Engineer III pay range: $94,581 – 157,635*

*This pay range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 1

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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