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Advert. no. 2015_0045
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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 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 Mechanical Engineering Department (MEC) in the Directorate of Engineering (DoE) at the Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, ESO is opening the position of a

Mechanical Engineer

Garching

Vacancy closed on 21/12/2015

Deadline 21/12/2015

We are looking for a mechanical engineer to work on the conceptual design and analysis of opto-mechanical systems for current and future ESO projects. This position provides the opportunity to work in a collaborative international environment and hands-on participation at different stages in the development of small and large scale mechanical and optical systems.

The successful applicant will be working in the ESO Engineering matrix organization. S/he will be assigned to the Structural Analysis group in the Mechanical Department. Department members provide as part of the project teams system and project engineering support to all ESO projects in their specific engineering disciplines. This implies involvement in all phases of the projects comprising at least feasibility studies, procurement contracts preparation and follow-up, performance verification, acceptance and commissioning. Technical and/or managerial responsibility for work packages and jobs can be assigned to department members.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Structural and opto-mechanical analysis support for the currently developed European Extremely Large Telescopes;
  • Development and application of dedicated numerical simulation models interfacing with various other engineering fields: models for controller design, estimation of closed loop performance or analysis of control-structure interaction; models interfacing with optics providing directly the optical performance of the system or the relevant outputs needed for specific optical simulations;
  • Generation of conceptual mechanical designs to support system engineering to generate performance budgets as well as system requirements;
  • Support the specification and procurement of mechanical and opto-mechanical systems;
  • General structural analysis support for the directorates of engineering, projects and operations;
  • Follow-up of internal and external ESO projects including participation in technical reviews in the areas of mechanical engineering and structural analysis.

The successful candidate will be a member of project teams within ESO's matrix structure and will be responsible for: You will be involved in collaborations with European and non-European institutes for the design and construction of telescopes and scientific instruments. Occasional visits to ESO's observatories in Chile may be required for the installation and commissioning of optical systems.

Experience:

  • Excellent theoretical knowledge of structural mechanics, structural analysis and Finite Element Analysis;
  • Minimum of 3 years professional experience in Finite Element, preferably in ANSYS and Workbench;
  • Good knowledge of Matlab/Simulink.

The following additional skills would be an advantage:

  • System Analysis and Engineering knowledge in multidisciplinary fields, like structural mechanics with optics and control;
  • Basic experience in mechanical design and CAD;
  • Basic knowledge and experience of control systems;
  • Basic knowledge in optics.

Key Competences:

  • Is able to build strong collaborative working relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines, especially with specialists in control and optics;
  • Monitors progress of own work and delivers to agreed deadlines and standards;
  • Is capable to work for different projects and with different teams in a matrix structure, also in parallel and under pressure;
  • Work both on your own initiative and as part of a team;
  • Takes over responsibility and is able to take decisions.

Qualifications:

A University Degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Language Skills:

Excellent command of the English language is essential; a working knowledge of German or Spanish would be an advantage.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and the possibility to place child/children in daycare.

The contract is for a fixed term duration of three years, and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. There is a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit htts://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff <http://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff>.

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich, Germany with occasional duty trips to all ESO sites in Chile.

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://jobs.eso.org/>. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV together with the names of three individuals willing to provide professional reference letters.

Closing date for applications is 21 December 2015.

Interviews are expected to start the second half of January 2016.

No nationality is in principle excluded. However, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.

Contact us

Email vacancy@eso.org

ESO