Also called: Telescope Technician
Maintains the electronics, cooling systems, and mechanics at a telescope site.
You fill cameras with liquid nitrogen, clean giant mirrors, and fix the dome's motors. Most sites are on remote mountaintops with dark, starry skies.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in electronics or mechanical technology.
Ways in: 2-year college, Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Electronics Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Growing about average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Low risk for 10 years. Filling cameras with liquid nitrogen and fixing domes on mountaintops is hands-on work.
Classes: Physics, Electronics CTE, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3029.
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