Employment Opportunities with McDonald Observatory

We are beyond that moon that you are considering a career with us.

As a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin, we offer employment opportunities at both the Observatory in West Texas and on the UT campus in Austin. Please be sure to check where jobs are located when reviewing open positions.

Looking to volunteer instead? Visit our Volunteer page to learn more and apply.

Jobs in Austin, Texas

No jobs are currently open in Austin.

Jobs in Fort Davis, Texas

2026 Summer Internship

The summer intern will assist with the daily operations of the visitors center, present programs like Solar Viewing and Guided Tours, 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 and practice public speaking skills, share knowledge of astronomy and physics, and spend time with world class telescopes at a major observatory. For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full internship posting.

Program Assistant (Part Time)

McDonald Observatory is looking for enthusiastic and friendly individuals to serve as Program Assistants at the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center. Share your curiosity, knowledge, and excitement about science with visitors of all ages from across the globe. For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting.

K-12 Education Specialist

This position supports and advances the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory and The University of Texas. Develops and delivers materials and content for K12 programs such as Astronomy Field Trips, Distance Learning, Homeschool Days, and Teacher Professional Development Workshops. Conducts evening and daytime programming for visitors, such as guided tours, solar viewing, star parties, and livestream programs for public and private groups. Assists with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site. For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting.

Control Systems Electronics Engineer

Performs preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostic testing, and repairs of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical systems related to instrumentation, control infrastructure, and telescope operations. For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting.

Maintenance Worker III

Performs work on water systems and provides advanced maintenance and repair tasks across one or more craft areas at McDonald Observatory, a large remote research facility. Will provide on-the-job training for water operator licenses. Works independently and supports journey-level craft workers. Routinely conducts preventive maintenance. For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting.

Positions are security sensitive; conviction verification conducted on applicant selected.