Optical Laboratory Technician

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

About the role:

The Optical Engineering Department provides support in the field of optics and photonics to all ESO projects. The technical expertise offered by the department includes the optical design, integration and tests of optical systems as well as photonics technologies and laser guide stars. The department provides support for Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) of opto-mechanical systems. In addition, it supports the observatory in solving optical problems arising in systems in operation. The department manages the optical and opto-mechanical integration laboratories at ESO headquarters.

We are looking for an optical technician with several years of professional experience to take the responsibility of the optical laboratories at ESO's headquarter and to support the department activities in the area of optical testing and integration.

This position provides the opportunity to work in a collaborative international environment and hands-on participation at different stages in the development of optical systems for astronomy.

Duties & Responsibilities:

As responsible for the optical laboratories at ESO's headquarter you will:

• Maintain and develop the optical alignment and testing capability.
• Operate and maintain the optical laboratories test equipment (e.g. interferometers, spectro-photometers, sighting scopes, autocollimators etc...). Prepare and implement a maintenance plan including the required recalibrations. Manage the supply of basic consumables (e.g. basic tool set, clean room equipment, etc). Generate the associated required yearly budget.
• Generate and maintain an inventory system of the laboratories of the optical engineering department. Manage requests for loaning laboratory equipment.
• Implement equipment and personnel safety policy in the laboratories.
• Actively participate to the decision process about laboratory space allocation to projects.
• Liaise with ESO's Facility Department for the maintenance and upgrades of the optical laboratory infrastructures.

The testing of optical components and optical systems will be part of your responsibilities. You will also procure and integrate associated test set-ups and generate comprehensive test reports. Furthermore, you will provide support to projects during the procurement for optical components and systems, in particular by:

• participating to the evaluation of the optical manufacturing and test performance budgets;
• participating to optical manufacturing and test activities and assessing compliances with the specifications;

You will also provide support to observatory staffs for maintenance and problem solving on optical systems already in operation and you will support the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) teams for opto-mechanical alignment and verification.

The position requires traveling within the ESO Member States. In addition, extended visits to ESO's observatories in Chile may be required

Skills & Experience:

You should have knowledge and several years of professional experience in testing of optical systems. Experience in running an optical laboratory would be an asset, as well as experience in the field of optical systems & instrumentation. You should have experience in several of the following fields:

• Standard optical test set-up and equipment (interferometers, spectrometers, autocollimators, sighting scopes, wavefront sensors, etc)
• Test of off-axis optics, aspheric optics, gratings
• Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) of optical systems
• Knowledge of optical fibre preparation and test
• Knowledge of optical manufacturing and testing processes as well as coating technologies
• General familiarity with: 1. Opto-mechanical design principles 2. Optical design software (e.g. Optics Studio) 3. The use of optics at cryogenic temperature

Competences

• Be proactive in seeking and applying modern optical test methods and tools, including performance evaluation. Acquire new skills, keep up-to-date with the tools used in the daily work, adapt to new procedures and identify ways to optimize the workflow
• Strong inclination to well organized working place
• Risk and problem control: identifying key issues, assessing options, and proposing a way forward
• Provide clear, concise and timely oral and written communications that identify key issues, examine options and propose a way ahead
• Ability and motivation to work in a team. Building strong collaborative working relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines
• Monitor progress of your own work, deliver to agreed deadlines and standards, plan activities and been able to work under pressure.

Qualifications:

Undergraduate diploma (B.Sc, DUT, BTS) or equivalent in Optical Engineering or Physics, with several years of professional experience.

Language Skills:

The position requires a good working knowledge of English.

Reports to:

Head of the "Telescope and Optics Group" of the Optical 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:

III to IV depending on the professional experience

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 25 March 2017.

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.