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Telescope Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

aui

Head of Software Engineering

Charlottesville, VA · On-site +1

$251K/yr

The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has ...

New

aui

Scientist (Open Rank)

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community, and allowing ...

New

aui

Scientist (Open Rank)

Charlottesville, VA

The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community, and allowing ...

New

aui

Security Manager

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

... Telescope in West Virginia, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, and the ... Develop, review, update, and maintain security documentation including Standard Operating ...

New

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Telescope Operator information

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$26

$81

How much do telescope operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for telescope operator in Virginia is $26.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.26 and $22.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is astronomer a high paying job?

Astronomers, including those who operate telescopes, typically earn median salaries around $100,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and employer. While some positions in research or academia may pay less, those in government or private sectors can have higher compensation, especially with advanced skills and specialized equipment knowledge.

How to become a telescope operator?

To become a telescope operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or experience in astronomy, optics, or related fields. Familiarity with telescope equipment, computer systems, and maintenance procedures is essential, and some positions may require certifications or specialized training. Gaining experience through internships or working in observatories can improve job prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by Telescope Operators on the job?

Telescope Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise alignment of complex equipment, troubleshooting technical issues during observation sessions, and adapting quickly to changing weather conditions that can affect data quality. They may also need to coordinate closely with astronomers and research teams to adjust observation schedules or prioritize specific projects. Flexibility, patience, and technical proficiency help operators manage these obstacles while ensuring that valuable astronomical data is captured accurately and efficiently during narrow observation windows.

What is a Telescope Operator job?

A Telescope Operator is responsible for controlling and maintaining telescopes at observatories or research facilities. They ensure the proper functioning of the equipment, assist astronomers in capturing observations, and troubleshoot technical issues. Their duties may also include monitoring environmental conditions, calibrating instruments, and managing data collection. Telescope Operators typically work in collaboration with scientists, engineers, and technicians to support astronomical research. The role requires technical proficiency, attention to detail, and often a background in physics, astronomy, or engineering.

What degree do you need to work at an observatory?

Telescope operators typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many positions require a bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of telescope operation, data analysis, and sometimes certifications in technical or astronomical tools.

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

To thrive as a Telescope Operator, you need solid knowledge of astronomy, experience with optical and digital imaging systems, and typically a degree in physics, astronomy, or a related field. Familiarity with telescope control software, data acquisition systems, and sometimes certifications in advanced equipment handling are highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are key soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring precise observations, equipment safety, and successful collaboration with scientists and technical staff.

How much does a telescope operator make?

Telescope operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment they operate. Advanced operators with specialized skills or certifications may earn higher salaries, especially in research or observatory settings.
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What job categories do people searching Telescope Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Telescope Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Telescope Operator jobs in VA? For Telescope Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Telescope Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telescope Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,923 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Head of Software Engineering

aui

Charlottesville, VA • On-site, Remote

$251K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

The NRAO is seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Software Engineering (Software Division Head) to lead one of the Observatory's most critical technical organizations. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Data Management & Software (DMS), the Head of Software Engineering provides strategic, operational, and technical leadership for a diverse team of software engineering professionals responsible for developing and supporting software systems that enable scientific discovery, telescope operations, data management, and Observatory-wide services.

The Head of Software Engineering oversees the Division's programmatic direction, personnel management, and budget planning while fostering collaboration across scientific, engineering, operations, and information technology organizations. The successful candidate will be a proven leader who can guide organizational and technical evolution, strengthen engineering practices, and build high-performing teams capable of delivering reliable, scalable software systems in support of the Observatory's mission.

This position may be located at any NRAO facility (Charlottesville, VA; Socorro or Albuquerque, NM; Green Bank, WV). Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

What You Will Be Doing

This is a senior leadership position requiring a combination of strategic vision, organizational leadership, and technical credibility. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Division Leadership & Strategy

  • Providing overall leadership and strategic direction for the Software Division
  • Developing and executing division plans that support Observatory priorities, scientific goals, and operational requirements
  • Ensuring accountability for Division objectives, deliverables, and Program Operating Plan (POP) commitments
  • Representing the Division in reviews, planning activities, and leadership discussions
  • Leading organizational initiatives that improve effectiveness, adaptability, and long-term sustainability of software engineering capabilities

Program & Resource Management

  • Managing Division budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation across multiple groups and initiatives
  • Overseeing software development portfolios and ensuring effective prioritization, planning, and delivery of strategic and operational initiatives
  • Supporting workforce planning and long-term organizational sustainability
  • Establishing effective planning and delivery processes that promote transparency, adaptability, and predictable execution

Technical Leadership & Engineering Excellence

  • Providing leadership for cross-division and Observatory-wide software initiatives
  • Promoting software engineering best practices, technical standards, and quality processes across the organization
  • Encouraging modern software development practices that improve collaboration, quality, maintainability, and delivery outcomes

People Leadership & Organizational Development

  • Leading, mentoring, and supporting Group Managers and technical leaders
  • Fostering a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
  • Supporting recruitment, performance management, career development, and succession planning
  • Championing professional development and workforce growth initiatives
  • Creating an environment that supports learning, innovation, and continuous improvement
  • Ensuring standardization and equity in the hiring and compensation of software engineers

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Building strong partnerships with scientific staff, Observatory operations, engineering organizations, project teams, and institutional leadership
  • Supporting matrix-managed teams working across projects, telescope operations, and software organizations
  • Communicating technical and strategic information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Providing consultation and support to the Assistant Director for Data Management & Software and other senior leaders on matters relevant to Observatory programs and strategy

Governance, Compliance & Operations

  • Ensuring adherence to institutional policies, federal requirements, cybersecurity expectations, and established procedures
  • Maintaining effective operational processes and management practices across the Division
  • Supporting Observatory-wide planning, risk management, and reporting activities
  • Maintaining alignment with Observatory software lifecycle practices and engineering governance frameworks

Who You Are:

  • You have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
  • At least seven (7) years of progressively more responsible experience in software engineering, including experience leading technical teams, projects, or organizational functions
  • Demonstrated experience leading software engineering organizations, technical programs, or large-scale development teams
  • Experience managing budgets, personnel, and organizational priorities in a complex technical environment
  • Demonstrated success leading technical organizations through growth, modernization, process improvement, or organizational change
  • Experience with iterative or incremental software development practices and modern delivery approaches
  • Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
  • Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple disciplines and organizational boundaries
  • Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution

Preferred

  • Ten (10)+ years of relevant software engineering experience, including leadership of managers, technical leads, or multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Experience supporting scientific, research, engineering, or mission-critical operational environments
  • Familiarity with large-scale software systems, scientific computing, cloud platforms, data-intensive applications, or observatory operations
  • Experience working with federally funded research organizations or similar mission-driven institutions

Competency Summary

  • Strategic Leadership: Develops vision and direction while aligning resources to organizational priorities
  • Engineering Excellence: Promotes sound engineering practices, technical quality, and continuous improvement
  • Organizational Leadership: Builds resilient, high-performing teams and guides organizational evolution
  • Collaboration & Influence:  Creates strong partnerships across diverse stakeholder communities
  • Communication: Clearly conveys complex technical and strategic concepts to varied audiences
  • Execution & Delivery: Translates strategy into results through effective planning, prioritization, and follow-through

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.

A moderate amount (4-6 trips per year) of travel both domestic and international may be required.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary of this position is between $144,755 - $178,000. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

  • Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
  • Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
  • AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
  • Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu  PM20

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