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Advert. no. 2016_0022
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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 ofpowerful 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.

 

ESO is looking for one

Cryogenic Systems Engineer

Garching

Vacancy closed on 03/07/2016

Deadline 03/07/2016

to work in the Mechanical Engineering Department, within the Directorate of Engineering at ESO's Headquarters in Garching, near Munich.

About the role:

The successful applicant will work in the ESO Engineering matrix organisation. S/He will be assigned to the Instruments and Cryogenic Systems group in the Mechanical Engineering Department and will support VLT and ELT instrument projects in the fields of mechanical and cryogenic engineering.

The job holder will be involved in collaborations with European and non-European institutes and international consortia for the design and construction of cryogenic systems, scientific instruments and infrastructure for instruments and telescopes. Frequent visits to ESO's observatories in Chile will be required to support installation and commissioning activities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Support instrument programmes for mechanical design, opto-mechanical engineering, cryo-vacuum technologies, AIT and project reviews.
  • CAD and opto-mechanical design of instruments / subunits / detector systems for cryogenic applications down to 3 Kelvin.
  • Supervision of manufacture, integration and commissioning of cryo-vacuum systems and instruments up to on-site installation at observatories.
  • Design and testing of cryo-vacuum systems using Liquid Nitrogen, closed cycle coolers, pulse tube coolers etc.
  • Support R&D activities for evaluation of alternative vibration-free cooling systems.
  • Support for definition of VLT and ELT cryo-vacuum infrastructure for instruments.
  • Following-up and reviewing developments of instruments and cryo-vacuum systems from external consortia.

Skills & Experience:

The successful candidate shall have a sound knowledge and understanding of the design and several years of experience in the development and integration of instruments for astronomical telescopes, their technical infrastructure, and of cryogenic and vacuum systems. Good communication skills are expected with strong sense for team spirit and being used to work in an international team environment.

Competences:

  • Solid experience in the design and understanding of astronomical instrumentation, including their application at cryogenic temperatures, mechanical engineering, precision mechanics and mechanisms.
  • The command of a state-of-the art 3D CAD system is a key requirement.
  • Familiar with European engineering, drafting and engineering documentation standards.
  • Technical expertise to follow-up instrument developments throughout all design phases.
  • Basic knowledge of optical systems, detector engineering and vibration measurement / analysis / mitigation would be an advantage.
  • Ability to collaborate with specialists in other engineering fields like detector and optical engineering.
  • Capability to work in parallel for different projects and with different teams and within a matrix structure.
  • Work both on your own initiative and as part of a team.
  • Willingness to acquire new skills, develop a system understanding, keep up-to-date with the tools used in the daily work.

Qualifications:

University degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering or Physics, or similar engineering disciplines.

Language Skills:

A good command of the English language - oral, reading and writing - is essential and a working knowledge of German or Spanish would be an advantage.

Reports to:

Head of the Instruments and Cryogenic Systems Group of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Remuneration and Contract:

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

The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term or indefinite extension based on performance and achievements. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

Starting Date:

As soon as possible

Duty Station:

ESO Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

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/. Your application must be completed in English and include a motivation letter and CV. In your CV you should provide us with the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter on request.

Closing date for applications is 3 July 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 the United Kingdom.

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

Contact us

Email vacancy@eso.org

ESO