Employment Opportunities with McDonald Observatory

Summer Internship - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Undergraduate astronomy and physics students are invited to apply by February 15. McDonald Observatory summer interns will assist with the daily operations of the Visitors Center, present Solar Viewing and/or Guided Tour programs, operate telescopes at Star Parties several nights a week, support summer workshops for K-12 teachers, and participate in local outreach activities. The internship is an excellent opportunity to develop public speaking skills, share knowledge of astronomy and physics, and spend time with world class telescopes at a major observatory... all while enjoying some of the darkest night skies in the United States!. 

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full internship posting here.

Facilities Maintenance Tech - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Seeking a well-rounded general maintenance and repair operator with journey-level specialized emphasis in one or more of the following technical trades: Carpentry, HVAC, Electrical, Hydraulics, Plumbing, Welding, Fabrication. This position is responsible for maintenance and repair of telescope support equipment, building and facility infrastructure, mechanical systems, design, welding and fabrication, and residential renovations, repairs and maintenance. This is a fast paced, hands-on position in a team-based environment utilizing a wide variety of disciplines and experience.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Fleet and Equipment Mechanic - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Responsible for journey-level maintenance, repair and upkeep of facility fleet vehicles, including gasoline, diesel and electric powered trucks and carts, as well as heavy equipment such as backhoes, forklifts, and generators. Maintains automotive shop, tools and inventory of parts and fluids. Performs small engine repair and maintenance of light equipment. Utilizes diagnostic equipment to aid in repairs. Researches, identifies and orders parts needed for repairs. Designs and maintains preventative maintenance schedules for all equipment. Completes and maintains records of vehicle and equipment services. Organizes state safety inspections of fleet vehicles and maintains vehicle safety equipment.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Engineering Scientist - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: The engineering scientist develops, directs, and performs advanced professional-level applied engineering and/or scientific research projects in astronomy in support of the goals of the Observatory. This position reports to the Chief Astronomer.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Hobby-Eberly Telescope Software Engineering Manager - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: The Software Engineering Manager will perform the essential duties of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) Systems Analyst and lead the computer group, which consists of three staff members in West Texas and one staff member in Austin. This position is based at McDonald Observatory in West Texas.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Hobby-Eberly Telescope Science Operations Manager - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: The Science Operations Manager for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) at the McDonald Observatory will provide leadership, high-quality science, and technical support in the science operations of the HET, including managing the HET science and engineering support operations, supervising night-time operations, monitoring and reporting on HET optical and instrumentation performance, data acquisition and reduction.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Mechanical Engineer - Austin, Texas 

Job Description: Based in Austin, Texas, his position works in the McDonald Observatory's instrumentation group, exercising a wide latitude of independent judgment to design, analyze, build, test, and support optomechanical and electromechanical subsystems for the McDonald Observatory instrument and telescope development projects. Reports to the Chief Scientist.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Electronics Engineer - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: This position is a research support staff role that contributes to the performance and science operations on fielded instrumentation systems, both newly introduced during commissioning activities, as well as existing/established research systems. This support requires evaluating the science needs, expected outcomes, and operating envelope for the system as a whole and quickly devising field-expedient changes to complex systems.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Hobby-Eberly Telescope Mechanical Engineer - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: This position leads a small team of technicians and performs mechanical engineering maintenance, design, and performance improvements on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope’s (HET) equipment and facility infrastructure. This position reports to the HET Facility Manager at the McDonald Observatory site near Ft. Davis, Texas.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

McDonald Observatory is part of The University of Texas at Austin. The Observatory and Visitors Center are located near Fort Davis, Texas. Positions are security sensitive; conviction verification conducted on applicant selected. 

Volunteer Opportunities with the Visitors Center