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Telescope Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Administrative Assistant II - III

Charlottesville, VA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Administrative Assistant II - III

Charlottesville, VA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Telescope Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$26

$81

How much do telescope operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.

What are common challenges faced by telescope operators?

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?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a telescope operator?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Telescope Operator jobs in Virginia? For Telescope Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Infographic showing various Telescope Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,923 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Embedded Software FPGA Design Engineer

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Charlottesville, VA โ€ข On-site

$114K - $138K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description


National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Title: Embedded Software FPGA Design Engineer
Location: NRAO Central Development Lab, 1180 Boxwood Estate Rd, CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, United States of America
Requisition Number: 216
Job Family: Electronics Engineer
Pay Type: Salary
Required Education: ENG

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 Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at NRAO is recruiting an experienced Embedded Software FPGA design engineer to work on its digital design team in Charlottesville, VA. The CDL is the largest laboratory in the US dedicated to radio astronomy instrumentation and this position will play a critical role in the development of digital correlators for future telescopes that will help reveal the hidden universe such as gravitational waves, the origins of galaxies, stars, and planet formation, and black holes.

What You Will be Doing:

  • Performing embedded Linux software design, implementation, simulation, and verification.
  • Performing research and solving complex technical issues, and work with minimal supervision.
  • Exhibiting excellent time management skills and an ability to multi-task.
  • Performing embedded application code development using the AMD/Xilinx Vitis tool flow and Python.
  • Working well in a team environment.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research and development environment. The selectee will report to the Digital Design Team manager. CDLโ€™s digital design team works cooperatively with other design groups in CDL and across NRAO and other international observatories. The selectee may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and to travel by car between NRAO sites.

Who You Are:

Education

Bachelorโ€™s degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science.

Experience

A minimum of 5 yearsโ€™ embedded software programming experience within processor-based FPGA devices. Candidates with progressively more responsible experience will be considered for a higher-level position ranking.

Skills and Competencies

  • Experience with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC/RFSoC Embedded SW Design Experience
  • Experience with Embedded Linux OS (PetaLinux/Yocto) and Application Code Experience
  • Experience with AMD Vitis Tool Flow and Board Support Package (BSP) Experience
  • Proficient in Embedded Linux OS (PetaLinux/Yocto)
  • Experience with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC Processing System (PS) architecture

Preferred Skills and Competencies

Bare metal processing system development is a plus.

Additional Requirements

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Occasional travel may be required.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary for this position is between $114,000-$138,000. 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.
  • AUIโ€™s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participantโ€™s base pay with no required employee contribution.
  • Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the โ€œApplyโ€ button above. You will need to be prepared to upload your current resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

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


Compensation details: 114000-138000 Yearly Salary


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