Working at AURA
AURA’s goal is to build a world-class, diverse workforce and support an inclusive environment that encourages professional development and offers top-notch benefits. Our talented staff, who work at our corporate office, or one of our NASA or NSF Centers, come from a variety of fields. Positions include scientists, engineers, educators, information technology staff, outreach and public relations professionals, managers, writers, designers, business professionals, and administrative staff.
We are deeply committed to encouraging people of all backgrounds to apply for these opportunities. Our experience has demonstrated that the broader the styles, characteristics, backgrounds, and abilities of our staff—in other words, the more diverse our team is—the greater potential we have for success. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical disability. Veterans, people who are disabled, or wounded warriors who need assistance with the employment process may contact us at employment@aura-astronomy.org.
The job openings listed are consolidated from all of our offices and represent the range of positions and geographic locations available to applicants. Where will your next exciting AURA opportunity take you?
Analysts and Specialists
Technical staff provide a variety of technical skills and expertise that support the operation of the observatories and their instruments, analysis and management of data, and facilitate research, telescope user support and outreach. Positions include research analysts, instrument analysts, observation analysts, science operations analysts, archive analysts, documentation specialists, web developers, graphic designers, and data visualization designers.
Astronomers
Research astronomers provide science leadership in programs designed to enhance the scientific value of telescope observatories, telescope instruments and scientific data, as well as promote awareness and understanding of the scientific discoveries of these observatories to the public. Research astronomers may work with observatory instrumentation, science product and service development, user support for the astronomical community, archive and science data management, outreach, science policy, or community support. Research astronomers also conduct personal astronomical research.
Communications Staff
Communications and public outreach staff promote the scientific discoveries from AURA Centers and provide informal education services and materials for the public. Positions include educators, writers, graphic designers, scientists, web development specialists, and news specialists.
Engineers
Engineers develop and maintain software and software systems for ground systems command and control, data science and archive management, telescope construction, planning and operations, integration and testing, flight operations, and spacecraft and instrument operations. Engineers may focus on software development, systems engineering, test engineering, database management and science instrument engineering, or spacecraft engineering.
For ground-based astronomy, engineers apply their knowledge in the mechanical, optical, software, and electrical/electronics fields to perform vital functions that enable them to maintain and enhance the observation facilities. This work includes a wide range of disciplines aimed at infrastructure support, telescope control, optical and electronic instrumentation, systems engineering, communications, etc.
IT Staff
Information Technology (IT) staff provide support for all IT services including user support, systems administration, network architecture, security and operation, data center operations and science data storage, and maintenance and mission support.
Operations Staff
Business services staff provide administration support for the operation of the organization, including accounting and financial services, procurement, contract management, grant management, facilities management, human resources, and program and project management.