Plant Engineer

The La Silla Observatory is part of the La Silla Paranal Observatory and the main telescopes are the 3.6m and NTT with their associated astronomical instruments. We are seeking a highly skilled Plant Engineer to join our Technical Maintenance Engineering Team (TMES).

The ideal candidate will have a diverse technical background and a proven track record in multi-disciplinary engineering. Our TMES team collaborates extensively with external technical service providers to guarantee seamless operation and high availability of the Observatory's comprehensive technical systems. An "Observatory Plant” is characterized by a wide spectrum of technical challenges, from a standard technical infrastructure to cutting-edge technologies, applied to our telescopes and astronomical instrumentation. As a plant engineer you oversee all those electrical mechanical systems of our Observatory from installation to troubleshooting and maintenance processes. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the forefront of astronomical discovery by ensuring the retrofitting of our existing facilities up to a state-of-the-art level.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The appointed candidate, having system engineering competencies, will be responsible for engaging in a variety of activities, tailored to their specific expertise and interests. These responsibilities include:

• Support the implementation of the La Silla vision, of transforming the technical infrastructure from a reactive to a proactive maintenance concept.
• Developing and leading automatization projects after an adequate familiarization phase of the Observatory technologies.
• Identify opportunities to automate condition monitoring through the usage of new technology and AI.
• Documentation of technical operating procedures and creation of operating procedures manuals.
• Optimization of existing technical systems regarding operational reliability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Keep close contact with our development departments at the Headquarter Europe during system upgrades and new installations of Instruments.
• Develop effective relationships with concerned ESO Departments (HR, Finance, Logistics, Legal) to ensure smooth realization of projects
• Foster mutual collaboration with other sites within the La Silla-Paranal Observatory
• Support our safety department by the implementation of observatory wide safety programs.
• Follow-up various activities of maintenance tasks and projects executions.
• Acting as Engineering Lead in case of need.

Reports to:

The TMES Lead Engineer.

Key Competences:

• Ability to work autonomously and constructively within a team, monitor the progress of your own work and collaborate with other Team members.
• Multi-Tasking skills are required, as the TMES Team is a small, but effective Engineering group. To contribute actively to a good Observatory working atmosphere is a must.
• Flexibility to requirement changes or priorities, when working for different projects.
• Ability to effectively communicate in written and verbal form: English is the official language of the organization, but knowledge of Spanish is desirable.
• Detail oriented with strong follow through. Must be able to organize and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and systematic approach of Root Cause Analyses, problem solving and decision-making skills.

Experience:

• The successful candidate shall have ideally several years of practical experience as a Plant Engineer and particular in the technical fields of automation or commissioning of process plants.
• Cross-industry knowledge in machine plant engineering as well as measurement, control technology and automation.
• System understanding of hydraulic and refrigeration systems including remote monitoring of their parameters for the associated alarm management and data acquisition required for predictive maintenance.
• Knowledge of Infrastructure Technologies applied to astronomical instruments such as Vacuum and Cryogenic is an asset.
• Knowledge of Condition Based Maintenance technologies (CBM)
• Basic knowledge of applied Six Sigma and Lean Management methods.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Understanding of the relevant legal requirements, ISO standards, technical regulations and industry-specific safety and quality standards.
• Strong computer skills. Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Power Point & Word. Experience with ERP systems, AutoCAD Inventor, or similar drawing software is an asset.
• Working experience in multi-disciplinary and multi-national teams would be an asset.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a dual Engineering degree, complemented by practical experience in commissioning industrial plants.

Language Skills:

ESO is an international organization where the official language is English. The position requires proficiency in oral and written communication in English. Proficiency in Spanish would be considered a valuable asset.

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 where applicable.

Our Salary and career structure

ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our roles. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience and performance. The role of the Plant Engineer is in Career Path IV. Please follow this link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/

ESO aims to support its members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance) between their professional and private life.

ESO is also committed to offering family-friendly support (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support), creating a work environment and policies which allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.

The contract on offer is for a fixed term duration of three years and is subject to medical clearance and successful completion of the probation period. There may be a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment. Please note that our contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are under review which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.

Duty Station:

The La Silla Observatory is located 600 kilometers north of Santiago de Chile, in the southern part of the Atacama Desert and at an altitude of 2,400 meters. The shifts will be 8 days on-site followed by 6 days off-duty (8x6). Accommodation is provided on-site.

Career Path: IV

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at https://recruitment.eso.org/. Applications should be in English and include your curriculum vitae (CV) and a letter of motivation.

Closing date for applications is 10 Novermber 2024.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

ESO Values

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.

The ESO values are:

ESO strives for excellence through innovation.

ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.

ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.

ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.

Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.

Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.

Diversity

ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.

Nationality

No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.