Telescope Operator, Senior

California Institute of Technology; Palomar Mountain (CA); On-site; USD 28,585 - 40,639; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Generous paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is seeking a Night Operator for the 200-inch Hale telescope and robotic telescopes at Palomar Mountain. This role involves operating advanced scientific instruments and assisting astronomers during nightly observing sessions.

The ideal candidate should have a high school education or equivalent and 4 years of relevant experience, with effective communication skills and the ability to work safely at high altitudes. The position offers a competitive hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 4 years of work experience or equivalent education and work experience.
• Ability to work nights.
• Ability to safely work at 5,600-foot altitude.

Responsibilities

• Operate the 200-inch Hale telescope and robotic telescopes.
• Support observers with scientific instrumentation.
• Monitor sky conditions to safeguard the telescope facilities.

Skills

Effective oral and written communications

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Effective PC skills including MS Office

Skilled in the interpretation of meteorological data

Education

High school education or equivalent

Undergraduate degree in astronomy or similar (preferred)

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

Under the direction of the night operations supervisor, this position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the 200‑inch Hale telescope and Palomar robotic telescopes. The position is responsible for operating the adaptive optics instrument, supporting the operation of all other scientific instruments, and assisting the astronomers during the nightly observing sessions as needed.

Essential Job Duties

• Night operation of the 200‑inch telescope and remote management of robotic telescopes.
• Support observers with the operation and efficient use of scientific instrumentation, telescope pointing, and any other needs.
• Operate the advanced adaptive optics instrument when it is scheduled on the telescope. Support the operation of all other scientific instruments as needed.
• Monitor sky conditions and environmental parameters to safeguard telescope facilities from compromise due to weather, smoke, or any conditions deemed hazardous to personnel, telescopes, or instrumentation.
• Provide input to the group supervisor on improvements to procedures or systems to maximize efficiency or safety.
• Assist in problem resolution by solving or contacting the appropriate resources necessary for a timely response to problems as they arise.
• Use computer‑based diagnostics to troubleshoot observatory system anomalies.
• Participate in instrument exchanges and/or mirror aluminization when needed.
• Assist with ice/snow removal on roads, walkways, and steps.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent and 4 years of work experience OR equivalent education and work experience.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely in confined or elevated environments.
• Ability to safely work at 5,600‑foot altitude.
• Effective oral and written communications.
• Ability to work nights.
• Effective PC skills, including MS Office and telescope control systems.
• Skilled in the interpretation of meteorological data from web and local sources in determining risk due to weather.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience operating telescopes and astronomical instrumentation; or an undergraduate degree or higher in astronomy or a similar field.
• 2 or more years of experience in software scripting or programming.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Hiring Range

$20.75 - $29.50 Per Hour

Benefits

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 may have access to limited benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time.

Equal Employment Opportunity 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.

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 [e-mail]. 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 [e-mail].