Jobs at W. M. Keck Observatory

Develops, tests, and maintains software and real-time control systems for adaptive optics, laser control, telemetry, telescope interfaces, and science instruments. Collaborates with engineers and scientists on system integration, performance analysis, troubleshooting, commissioning, and observing support. Applies predictive control, sensor fusion, and machine learning techniques while developing software in laboratory and summit environments.

Leads the Observatory’s finance department and partners with executive leadership and the Board on financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, risk management, treasury, compliance, audits, sponsored awards, restricted funds, finance systems, and fiduciary oversight. The CFO develops sustainable financial plans, strengthens controls, supports organizational capacity building, and ensures responsible stewardship of resources.

Supports operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, repair, and upgrades of complex mechanical systems at a summit observatory. Works with precision mechanisms, opto-mechanical assemblies, large structures, industrial equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics, and infrastructure. Coordinates with engineers, technicians, supervisors, project managers, and subcontractors; contributes to design reviews, engineering documentation, installation planning, fabrication, testing, and safe system integration.

Provides administrative and reception support by managing calendars, communications, documents, reports, meetings, minutes, filing systems, travel arrangements, expenses, and events. The role also supports video conferencing, improves administrative procedures, and coordinates information and training requests. Requires independent judgment, problem-solving, collaboration, and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Slack, Adobe Acrobat, e-signing tools, and related productivity applications.