About the Subaru Telescope

Staff Interviews

Working at Subaru Telescope - Staff Interviews

What is it like to work at an astronomical observatory? Contrary to common expectations, most of the staff do not watch the stars every night. In fact, astronomers are minorities at the observatories. The majority of our staff are engineers and technicians whose work is crucial for the telescope to perform at its best.

We interviewed five staff members at the Subaru Telescope: one software engineer, one instrumentation technician, one system engineer, and two day crew members. Let's take a peek at their workplace and hear about their jobs, career path, and passion for life. At the end of the video, each of them gives a special message for keiki (children) in Hawai'i.




Software Engineering (Russell Kackley)


As a software engineer, Russell Kackley develops and maintains software for Subaru Telescope, primarily for the observation systems. Before the night begins, his team sets up the computers for the observation. Russell enjoys working with top-notch computers at Subaru Telescope. He also enjoys the multi-cultural work environment and asking astronomers about new exoplanets and various phenomena in the Universe.


Video uploaded Youtube in 2016 (Credit: NAOJ; Video created by Mark Kimura and Yuko Kakazu)




Instrumentation and Electronics (Lucio Ramos)


As an instrumentation and electronics technician, Lucio Ramos takes care of electronics and electronic components that controls and monitors the conditions of scientific instruments such as temperature and pressure. "What I like most about working at Subaru Telescope is building new components for the new instruments. It is always exciting when you’re building something that is unique and one of a kind."


Video uploaded Youtube in 2016 (Credit: NAOJ; Video created by Mark Kimura and Yuko Kakazu)




Computer and Data Management (Kiaina Schubert)


Kiaina Schubert is the senior system administrator who takes care of the core computer network, various servers and services that support Subaru Telescope’s operation.



Video uploaded Youtube in 2016 (Credit: NAOJ; Video created by Mark Kimura and Yuko Kakazu)




Day Crew (Timothy Castro and Johnathan Thunell)


As day crew team members, Timothy Castro and Johnathan Thunell set the telescope up during daytime for successful nighttime observation. "Working at Subaru Telescope is really fun. We have a good atmosphere with our fellow employees and the work is never dull. It's always a different thing that we do. By working at Subaru Telescope, I've learned a lot."



Video uploaded Youtube in 2016 (Credit: NAOJ; Video created by Mark Kimura and Yuko Kakazu)