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Telescope Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Giant Magellan Telescope

Configuration Lead

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$145K - $205K/yr

Manage the high-level telescope and observatory models and make frequent updates as subsystems deliver their latest models to GMT, particularly at major gate reviews * Identify and manage critical ...

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Telescope information

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$54K

$126.8K

$158K

How much do telescope jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for telescope in the United States is $126,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $144,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Telescope Operator, you need a solid background in astronomy or physics, experience with observational techniques, and often at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with telescope control software, data acquisition systems, and sometimes certifications in operating specific observatory equipment are typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with research teams and troubleshooting technical issues. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe equipment operation, and successful scientific outcomes in observational astronomy.

How much do telescope technicians make?

Telescope technicians typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in observatories, research facilities, or maintenance environments, requiring technical skills in optics, electronics, and mechanical systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by telescope operators in observatories, and how can they prepare for them?

Telescope operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, troubleshooting technical issues with advanced equipment, and coordinating with scientists to ensure optimal data collection. Successful operators develop strong problem-solving skills, stay updated on the latest telescope technologies, and work closely with engineering and research teams. Preparing by gaining experience with remote observation software and understanding the fundamentals of astronomy can also help address these challenges and improve performance in the role.

What jobs use a telescope?

Jobs that use telescopes include astronomers, astrophysicists, observatory technicians, and optical engineers. These professionals operate, maintain, and develop telescopic equipment to study celestial objects, often requiring specialized training and knowledge of optics and astronomy. They typically work in research institutions, observatories, or space agencies.

What are telescopes and what do they do?

Telescopes are optical instruments designed to observe distant objects by collecting and magnifying light. They are most commonly used in astronomy to view celestial bodies like stars, planets, and galaxies. Telescopes can be found in various types, such as refracting, reflecting, and radio telescopes, each using different methods to gather and focus light or other electromagnetic radiation. By allowing us to see objects far beyond the reach of the naked eye, telescopes have played a critical role in expanding our understanding of the universe.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A telescope operator or technician can earn around $10,000 per month with specialized training and experience, often working in observatories or research facilities. High earnings in this field typically require technical skills, certifications, and a strong understanding of optical and electronic systems.

What is the difference between Telescope vs Astronomer?

AspectTelescopeAstronomer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate degree often preferredBachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, or related field; advanced degrees common
Work EnvironmentObservatories, research facilities, or educational institutionsResearch labs, universities, observatories, or field sites
Primary FocusOperating and maintaining telescopic equipmentStudying celestial objects and phenomena
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, observatories, educational organizationsAcademic institutions, government agencies, research centers

While telescopes are tools used by astronomers, the role of an astronomer involves analyzing data, conducting research, and interpreting celestial phenomena. Telescopes are essential instruments in an astronomer's work, but they are not a profession themselves. Understanding the distinction helps job seekers identify the right career path in the field of astronomy.

What is a Telescope job?

A Telescope job typically refers to a role involving the operation, maintenance, or research use of telescopes in observatories, space agencies, or academic institutions. Professionals in this field may work as astronomers, telescope operators, or engineers, ensuring that telescopes function correctly for scientific observations. Responsibilities can include aligning optical components, calibrating instruments, analyzing astronomical data, and supporting research projects. Such jobs are commonly found at research institutions, space agencies (like NASA or ESA), and universities.

How much is a NASA astronomer paid?

NASA astronomers are typically classified as federal employees and their salaries are determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The annual pay for a NASA astronomer generally ranges from approximately $60,000 to over $150,000, depending on experience, education, and seniority, with higher salaries available for those with advanced degrees and specialized skills. Additional benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.
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What cities are hiring for Telescope jobs? Cities with the most Telescope job openings:
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Telescope jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telescope job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,844 per year, or $61 per hour.
Astronomical Optics Scientist

Astronomical Optics Scientist

Space Telescope Science Institute

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA's science operations center for the Hubble, Webb, and Roman Space Telescopes, and home to the Makidon Optics Laboratory conducting experiments in advanced high contrast imaging for future missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland.

The STScI Telescopes Branch is seeking an Astronomical Optics Scientist possessing a combination of astronomical, computational, and technical expertise to characterize, optimize, and model the optical performance of observatories supported at STScI. These include the James Webb Telescope (JWST), the future Habitable Worlds Observer (HWO), the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), aspects of the Roman Space Telescope (RST), and other potential missions and related studies. This position can support hybrid work. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV). This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence to meet ITAR requirements.

The emphasis will be on characterizing and maximizing observatory optical performance and image quality-particularly the stellar point spread function in imaging, coronagraphic, and spectroscopic modes-to increase science value, both through operational strategies and by providing the astronomical community tools and resources for understanding their image quality. For JWST, and to a lesser extent HST, this entails maintaining mirror alignment, characterizing how it is affected by a variety of in-flight factors, and capturing that knowledge in reports and tools for the science user. It may also deliver science value by monitoring and modeling straylight and thermal background changes and their effects on sensitivity. For HWO, the work will involve providing astronomically and optically informed modeling and simulation tools to explore wavefront, image quality, and coronagraphic performance as a function of assumed architectures and operations concepts, through participation in seminal design and trade studies.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities

       analyze telescope performance and model the resulting effects on science for current and future space observatories

       serve on the team that maintains and enhances observatory optical quality

       contribute to the scientific assessment of telescope/instrument performance

       support the science community and enhance user tools for applying optical performance knowledge to science analyses (e.g. STPSF, exposure time calculators, background models)

       explore wavefront and/or coronagraphic contrast as a function of future mission architectures and operations concept trade studies

       investigate, diagnose, and resolve telescope anomalies

       potentially support research programs focusing on optical systems and instrumentation (such as laboratory tests of technologies for HWO, and, on longer timescales, potential future involvement with integration and testing of HWO instrumentation)

Position Requirements

       Experience with optical and infrared astronomy instrumentation, data processing, and research applications

       Working knowledge of (and experience with) optical design and modeling of astronomical observatories, preferably spaceborne

       Strong expertise in Fourier optical modeling of astronomical optics: example applications may include modeling point spread functions, image-based wavefront sensing and phase retrieval, modeling coronagraphic or interferometric optical systems with complex and/or segmented pupils

       Demonstrated proficiency with astronomical software development and implementations, particularly in Python using core astronomy packages such as numpy, astropy, matplotlib,

Additional preferred skills & experience

       Practical experience with phase retrieval, deconvolution, kernel phase, and/or other advanced techniques in astronomical image processing and calibration

       Familiarity with JWST & HST data, and/or planned RST science data and modes, and/or HWO studies

       Authorship of open-source Python packages on GitHub in related areas

       Working knowledge of commonly used optical modeling software packages (e.g. CodeV, Zemax), or a clear ability to rapidly develop user-level familiarity with these as needed

Qualifications

       Advanced degree in astronomy, optics, or in a closely related field with equivalent experience in optical analysis

       5 years of academic and/or professional experience in the analysis of engineering and science data from astronomical telescopes

       PhD degree, and/or a substantial astronomical research portfolio is preferred

       Some fraction of the time may also be used to conduct independent research, if grants or other mechanisms are available to support this.

Candidates at all levels of seniority will be considered, with the level of appointment commensurate with the candidate's education and expertise.

Benefits

Our excellent benefits include:

  • Employer retirement contribution - direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
  • 12 days sick leave, up to 24 days' vacation, and 10 paid holidays
  • Flexible work schedule with healthy work/life balance
  • Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!

Salary range is $130,000 - $150,000.

Application link -Astronomical Optics Scientist

Applications received by 05/14/2026 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. Reference #: 0015806

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.

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