Product Manager

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

About the role:

The department comprises a group of 27 Electronic/Electrical engineers and Technicians who are responsible for the definition, design and implementation of complex control systems for advanced optical and infrared astronomical instrumentation, detectors and telescope systems required for ESO's Observatories in Chile.

Within ESO's matrix structure, the successful candidate will have the responsibility to define and implement manufacturing processes for all our departmental system production and more specifically at the beginning on the detector control systems. He/she will also be responsible for the final performance and in-time delivery of the final systems to our final customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage the Detector control systems production for VLT and ELT programmes;
• Analyse internal design and production processes and propose changes to optimise them;
• Closely collaborate with ESO Engineers from the department and instrument responsible to enhance our cross-directorate collaboration and prepare a realistic electronic subsystems delivery plan for the ELT;
• Manage the implementation of detector test setup infrastructure in close collaboration with the detector group head;
• Provide support to department staff regarding electronic system production during development and production phases;
• Keep abreast of new technological developments applicable to instrument and Telescope and assess their suitability for ESO's work.

Skills & Experience:

You should have at least five years of significant professional experience in the management of mechatronic system design and production in an a heavily constrained industrial environment.

A very good knowledge of system design, integration and test and experiences in several of the following fields:

• Scientific instrumentation
• Cryogenic systems
• E-Plan schematics CAD system
• ALTIUM Designer CAD system
• Autodesk Inventor

Competences:

• Analyse project requirements and collaborate with the design team to ensure that the final product manufacturing will be within specification cost and timeline for delivery;
• Manage the design of complex products, select the proper materials and processes to create test prototypes and final products;
• Ensure manufacturing is up to specification and safety standards;
• Work both on your own initiative and as part of a team;
• Build strong collaborative working relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines;
• Provide clear, concise and timely oral and written communications that identify key issues, examine options and propose a way ahead;
• 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;
• Monitor progress of your own work, deliver to agreed deadlines and standards, plan activities, contribute to system design and been able to work under pressure.

Qualifications:

University degree (MSc) in Electronic or Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent educational level.

Language Skills:

A very 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 Electronic Engineering Department.

Career Path: V

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 and the possibility to place your child/children in day care.

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 further information, please view ESO's conditions of employment.

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit the ESO homepage for further details.

Please apply online via our ESO Recruitment Portal. Your application must be 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. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Closing date for applications is 4th March 2018.

No nationality is in principle excluded however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race or religion.

More Information:

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 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.

If you are interested in this position and ready to work in a stimulating international environment, please visit the ESO homepage for further details.