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37 Caltech Project Scientist Jobs Hiring Near You

Caltech

Senior Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$134K - $165K/yr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Experience in project management including use of MS Project for project management and planning.

Caltech

Project Manager

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$89K - $100K/yr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... As Project Manager, you will be the person who makes this ambitious, multi-institution program ...

Caltech

Project Manager

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... The Project Manager's primary responsibility is for the management of capital improvement projects ...

Caltech

EMC Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$97K - $160K/yr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... This role will support the Lead Project Engineer and the management team to help make this project ...

Caltech

Network Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Partner with team members and project engineers to develop and maintain the overall IPAC network ...

Caltech

Contracting Officer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$84K - $86K/yr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Lead project-based work or task teams, including preparing for and leading monthly TechMart ...

Caltech

Research Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... The successful candidate will assist a multidisciplinary research team on one or more projects to ...

Caltech

Paint Shop Lead

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$37.50 - $45/hr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Participates in analysis' of project health and environment hazards as stated on legally required ...

Caltech

Laboratory Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Support planning for facility-related projects affecting lab operations (e.g., HVAC balancing ...

Caltech

Assistant Director of Stewardship

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor's degree or ...

Caltech

Software Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$68K - $112K/yr

... Caltech node. Our cross-disciplinary team is composed of scientists and engineers from academia and the private sector. This project will directly impact various scientific fields, including ...

Caltech

Senior Investment Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$120K - $142K/yr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Ad hoc projects in support of senior members of the team. Analytics and Information Management ...

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Infographic showing various Project Scientist job openings at Caltech in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Senior Scientist

Caltech

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$134K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Senior Scientist to join its team with experience in research, design and problem solving in a collaborative environment. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing gravitational-waves. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu.
This position is an in-person role located in Pasadena, California.
The successful candidate will report to the most senior engineers at LIGO Lab. Given how important core optics and optical coatings are for LIGO today and LIGO tomorrow this is an important position and offers the individual an important role within LIGO Lab. This is an exciting opportunity to work with world-leading scientists and engineers on cutting-edge science. This selected candidate will be a vital part of our talented team, helping to lead LIGO into the future.
A full list of the job duties including opportunities for creativity, direction and planning are listed below.
Essential Job Duties
  • Perform optical design and analysis.
  • Conducting research on optical designs and optical coatings.
  • Direct and assist with testing, analysis, and oversight of precision optical metrology instruments to test hypotheses and gather data.
  • Support the operation and maintenance of world-class, precision optical characterization and metrology facilities.
  • Develop optical specifications, policies, and procedures.
  • Provide technical expert support for multi-million-dollar contracts with optics and coating fabricators providing cutting edge technology that enables LIGO's extreme sensitivity.
  • Provide ongoing modifications and solution alternatives to meet current and future research and observatory requirements
  • Conceptualize the design and direct the development of enhanced measurement techniques and improved optics.
  • Diagnose and design solutions and modifications in response to optic, optical equipment or component malfunctions and failures.
  • Support the current lead with overseeing the Caltech Optical Sciences Group, including technical, budget, resource, and task management
  • Provide technical guidance as well as technical oversight to matrixed engineering and science staff working on optics, opto-electronics, and interferometry.
  • Communicate (written and verbal) technical progress and budget/resource status on various projects, internally within the organization and externally to parties outside the organization
  • Over time, take on people-management responsibilities and coach junior staff, encourage professional development, conduct annual reviews and nurture the team.
  • Other Duties as Assigned

Basic Qualifications
  • BS in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience with high precision optics.
  • A minimum of 8 years of experience in mentoring junior scientists and/or students.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of optical design, analysis, and testing for interferometry.
  • Experience directly using scientific observation and analysis, creative thinking, and method development to solve problems related to optics and optical systems.
  • Significant experience with precision optical metrology.
  • Significant experience with technical specifications and support for contracting optical fabrication.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Masters or a PhD. in a related field.
  • Significant experience in technical supervision of a group of 5 or more staff.
  • Experience in project management including use of MS Project for project management and planning.
  • History of working in and with International Collaborations with Optical scientists and other professionals, including mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers, physicists, and research scientists, to invent original concepts for optical products and improve existing devices.

Required Documents
  • Resume.
  • Cover Letter is a required document for this position. Please summarize your relevant experience and your interest in working at LIGO Lab.

Hiring Range
$134,000 - $165,000 per year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

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