# Staff Astronomer I at Keck > Onsite · United States · Staff · Other · open. Source: https://alderhq.app/jobs/pinpoint%3Akeck%3A539141 (read 2026-11-04). ## Facts (observed) - Company: [Keck](https://alderhq.app/companies/keck) - Location text: W.M. Keck Headquarters, HI - Where it can be done from (inferred): Onsite · United States (evidence: "Location: W.M. Keck Headquarters, HI") - Posted: already open when tracking began; date unknown - First seen by alder: 2026-11-04 · last verified: 2026-11-04 - Reposted: 0 times · edited: 0 times - Apply on the employer's site: https://keck.pinpointhq.com/en/postings/34eb6c8f-bf85-427a-9127-edf746f32695 - Skills listed (inferred): Python, C++ ## Pay and sponsorship - Posted pay: $84k–$100k per year (from the listing's pay field) - Market band for similar posted roles (United States, n 2164): p25 $140k, median $180k, p75 $223k ## Description (the employer's text) ### Explore the Universe from One of the World's Leading Astronomical Observatories At W. M. Keck Observatory, we enable groundbreaking discoveries that expand humanity's understanding of the universe. We are seeking a Staff Astronomer I to join our Observing Support team and help deliver exceptional scientific capabilities to astronomers from around the world. This position combines hands-on telescope and instrument support, scientific software and data analysis, instrumentation development, and independent research—creating a unique opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge astronomy while advancing your own scientific interests. The Staff Astronomer I supports visiting astronomers before, during, and after their observing runs while collaborating with engineers and technical staff to maintain, improve, and develop Keck's world-class instrumentation. The successful candidate will conduct astronomy-related research and contribute to scientific publications while helping ensure the Observatory continues to deliver transformational science. Approximately 20% of work time is dedicated to professional research activities. ### Our Mission & Values At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery while honoring our responsibility to people, place, and community. We are guided by core values rooted in: - Stewardship – We care for our people, facilities, environment, and community with integrity and long-term responsibility. - Service – We prioritize collective impact, supporting one another, the global astronomy community, and our local Hawaiʻi community to achieve shared goals. - Collaboration & Inclusion – We work across disciplines and perspectives to solve complex challenges and advance discovery together. - Excellence & Safety – We deliver high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety in everything we do. WHY CHOOSE W. M. KECK OBSERVTORY - Competitive starting salary ranging from $83,686 to $100,374 annually. - Generous benefits package, including four (4) weeks of annual paid vacation. - A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution) - Dependent Tuition Assistance. - Comprehensive, fully-paid employee health insurance. - Join a dedicated team working on the frontiers of astronomy. ### Responsibilities Support of Visiting Astronomers (Observers) - Instruct observers in the use of WMKO’s instruments and telescopes - Provide pre- and post-observing inquiries and support (both onsite and at remote mainland sites). - Offer afternoon and night-time support for observers during their runs. Instrumentation Maintenance and Development - Maintain, calibrate, and develop scientific instruments and related software. - Provide night-time engineering support. - Collaborate with engineers and technicians to maintain, repair, and improve instruments. Instrument Scientist (when assigned) Responsibilities - Lead the care of that instrument or capability. - Take primary responsibility for the instrument, ensuring its proper function and performance. Contributions to New Instrumentation and Upgrades - Participate in the development of new instruments or capabilities, including adaptive optics. - Contribute to major upgrades of existing instruments Data Reduction Support - Contribute to the development, maintenance, and support of data reduction packages. Research - Conduct scientific research related to field of expertise or interest with the expectation that the research will lead to published technical and peer-reviewed papers. Collaboration with colleagues is encouraged. - This position allocates 20% of work time specifically for research activities. ### Skills Education - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or equivalent degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering; relevant professional experience may be substituted for a degree. Experience - Interest and/or experience with scientific instrumentation - With astronomical observing and/or working at an astronomical observatory. Skills - Ability to prioritize tasks, plan activities, and meet deadlines - Microsoft Office Proficiency. - Ability to effectively deliver impactful presentations to a technical and non-technical audience. Technical Competencies - Ability to interpret complex data, solve problems, and make predictions based on empirical evidence. - Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis and simulations (e.g., Python, C/C++, IDL, R, Bash/Shell scripting). - Ability to create or use data processing pipelines to handle large volumes of data, including calibration, cleaning, and extraction of useful information. - Knowledge of cloud computing and data storage solutions to manage large datasets. - Ability to write scientific papers and produce technical documentation. --- Data: alder (https://alderhq.app). Cite https://alderhq.app/jobs/pinpoint%3Akeck%3A539141 and the date you read it. Observed facts come from the employer's own listing; location reach, level, family and skills are inferences.