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Telescope Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Omitron-Inc

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Spacecraft supported include the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO ... Working as part of a cross-functional team of spacecraft flight dynamics engineers Some travel may ...

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

$87 - $113/hr

In addition to providing engineering support for telescope maintenance and upgrades, the successful candidate will provide engineering support in a team environment for development projects. The ...

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Telescope Engineer information

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How much do telescope engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for telescope engineer in the United States is $53.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $62.26 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.
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Telescope Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telescope Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,552 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Aetherflux

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Optical Engineer
About Cowboy Space Corp:
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
About the Role:
The Lasers & Optics team is looking for an Optical Engineer to design and build the free-space optical path for our next generation laser communications system. 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-end optical link.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and optimize free-space optical assemblies including beam expanders, collimators, and telescope interfaces.
  • Build and maintain optical system models using Zemax or Code V, including tolerance and stray light analyses.
  • Define optical interface specifications for mechanical and opto-mechanical design.
  • Specify optical components, coatings, and filters, and manage procurement and acceptance testing.
  • Own the optical coupling efficiency budget from the receive telescope to the fiber injection point.
  • Perform structural-thermal-optical (STOP) analyses in coordination with mechanical and thermal engineers.
  • Define alignment budgets and verification procedures for deployable opto-mechanical subassemblies, accounting for structural compliance and launch loads.
  • Define alignment procedures and execute hands-on integration and alignment in the lab.
  • Generate design specifications, analysis reports, and test plans.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience designing free-space optical systems.
  • Proficiency in Zemax or Code V.
  • Experience specifying, procuring, and acceptance testing custom optical components and coatings.
  • Experience with optical tolerance budgeting including Monte Carlo methods, alignment sensitivity analysis, and thermal/athermal analysis across operating temperature ranges.
  • Experience with structural-thermal-optical (STOP) analysis and multi-physics optical performance modeling.
  • Hands-on experience aligning and characterizing optical assemblies.
  • Familiarity with fiber-to-free-space coupling and single-mode fiber injection.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering or Physics.
  • 5+ years of experience in an aerospace or defense optical systems role.
  • Experience with FSO communication.
  • Familiarity with adaptive optics.
  • Experience with alignment stability analysis for deployable or launch-survivable optical assemblies.
  • Experience with environmental validation of space-based optical systems (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation).
  • Experience with Class 4 laser lab environments.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

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