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Working at ESO
Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online. Read more..
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA and APEX), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre European Extremely Large Telescope, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky" and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.
For its Maintenance Support and Engineering (MSE) Department at the La Silla Paranal Observatory (LPO), ESO is opening the position of:
Telescope System Engineer
Paranal
Deadline 30/01/2016
Telescope System Engineer
The Maintenance, Support and Engineering Department of the Paranal Observatory ensures technical availability of the four VLT 8m telescopes, the 2 survey telescopes (VST and VISTA), the VLT interferometer with its auxiliary telescopes, 18 complex instruments for scientific observations and common facilities (power production, chillers and 3 coating units). The MSE Department of Paranal has a total workforce of about 60 engineers and 25 technicians, distributed in 6 groups (Systems and Optics, Electronics, Mechanics, Software, Instrumentation, and Support and Quality Assurance). We are currently recruiting two positions (Telescope System Engineer and Optical Engineer) for the Systems and Optics group and one of them is for leadership of the group. This position can therefore include a management role if the candidate has suitable experience.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
As Paranal Telescope System Engineer:
- Ensure that the performance and availability of the high-level telescope systems are at the expected level. Lead troubleshooting and analysis when necessary in combination with the Telescope Scientist, the experts of the Department, and the system responsibles.
- Review Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV) of new systems to be installed at LPO.
- Propose new LPO projects (upgrade, obsolescence) in close collaboration with the Group Leaders taking into account budget and FTE availability
- Review changes and project for the Configuration Control Board.
- Be the 1st level contact point for Directorate Of Projects (DOP) projects/missions about telescope.
- Follow up, as Change Manager, of all LPO and DOP projects and participate to the reviews and acceptances of these projects.
As System Engineer within the Systems and Optics group:
- Monitor at system level the performances of LPO facilities and ensure they are according to specification
- Propose change requests or projects (on new systems or improvement of existing ones) with specifications and requirements.
- Implement the changes once approved (analysis, design, implementation, commissioning) as project manager or change implementer and ensure the result is in accordance with the specifications.
- Interact with the Support and Quality Assurance group (planning, documentation and quality control)
Support activities:
- AIV of new systems
- Troubleshooting, especially when system analysis is required
- Any critical LPO activities for which your competencies are requested by your manager
The selected candidate will report to the Group Leader for Systems and Optics.
Experience:
At least five years of experience in the field of system engineering, preferably in an operational environment involving complex and multidisciplinary technologies. Proven experience in the analysis of complex systems and facilitating data exchange within teams. Experience with astronomical telescopes or in a scientific environment is highly desirable.
Key Competences:
- System Engineering and ability to understand engineering concepts used in telescopes, in particular optics, hydraulics systems, cooling, precise motions, and controls.
- Engineering data analysis with a variety of computerized tools.
- Management experience would be an asset if the candidate is also interested in team leadership.
- Present information with strength and credibility
- Work collaboratively in teams in a multinational and multi-cultural environment
- Constructively suggests improvements to established ways of working
- Plan effectively and monitor progress of work, deliver results on time and to standards
- Constructively address disagreement and manage conflict
Qualifications:
University degree in System Engineering or similar qualification.
Language Skills:
The position requires a very good knowledge of English. Knowledge of Spanish is not mandatory, but willingness to learn is important.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (tax free), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family.
The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term or indefinite extension based on technical and managerial achievements. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
Duty Station:
Paranal Observatory, located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile. The working schedule will be 8 days on duty and 6 days off duty (8x6) with accommodation provided on site, after a probation period with 5 days on duty and 2 days off (5x2). Place of residence shall be either Santiago or Antofagasta.
Career Path: V
Application:
If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit (<http://www.eso.org>) for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at <http://recruitment.eso.org/>. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.
Closing date for applications is January 30, 2016.
Although recruitment preference will be given to nationals of ESO Member States (members are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom), no nationality is in principle excluded.
The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.