Electronic Engineering: opportunities at a variety of career stages

We are offering a number of exciting roles across different experience levels, applicable to recent graduates through to experienced engineers and technicians. These positions are crucial to supporting the development of innovative electronic systems

for ESO's world-class observatories in Chile, including the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).

Whether you're a recent graduate, a hands-on technician, or an experienced electronics engineer, you'll contribute to the design, development, assembly, integration, testing, commissioning and maintenance of complex electronic and control systems, often in collaboration with international consortia and industrial partners.

Openings include:

1. Electronics Engineers (x2) Contribute throughout the entire lifecycle of complex control systems for astronomical instruments or telescope infrastructure. Tasks include PLC-based control systems, analog/digital electronics, firmware development and technical project follow-up with consortia and suppliers. Candidates should have at least 3 years relevant work experience, ideally in an industrial environment, and within certain margins the two positions can be adapted to the profile of the applicants. These positions are offered on the basis of an initial three-year fixed-term International Staff member contract, in Career path V (see below section on Remuneration, Benefits and Contracts for further details).

2. Junior Electronics Engineers (x2) Roles ideal for recent graduates. Work alongside senior engineers on real-world projects, starting from new design activities up to maintenance and modification of the electrical/electronic systems of existing plants. These roles includes a broad theoretical and hands-on training on embedded systems, PCB design, handling of opto-mechanical and detector equipment, electromagnetic compliance tests and interference studies, hazard and risk assessment, acceptance tests and integration activities. These contracts are offered on the basis of a Paid Associate contract in Career Path III for up to two years.

3. Electronics Technician (x1) Support the laboratory and cleanroom activities at ESO including the handling and testing of detectors, assembly and integration of cryogenic and electronic components, EMC and safety compliance, and detailed reporting. Work closely with engineers and play a key role in precision assembly and quality assurance. This role is offered on the basis of an initial three-year fixed term International Staff member contract in Career Path III (see below for further details).

General duties and responsibilities:

• Design and development of analog and digital electronic circuits and systems
• PLC-based automation for instrumentation and telescope subsystems (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens S7 1500)
• Development of mixed-signal PCBs and embedded firmware (e.g., SoCs, microcontrollers)
• Participation in system testing, validation and integration campaigns
• Assembly and wiring of electronic components and cabinets, including cryogenic applications
• Technical support in cleanroom and laboratory environments
• Documentation, specification writing, and participation in design reviews
• Coordination with suppliers, consortia and external partners across Europe
• Contribution to quality and safety processes including EMC compliance and tests

Depending on the position and level of experience, responsibilities may include:

We welcome applicants who largely match one of the following profiles:

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Electronics Engineers (Experienced and Junior):

• A university degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Knowledge of analog/digital circuit design and tools (e.g., Altium Designer, PSpice)
• Experience with PLC based Control Systems
• Familiarity with development on embedded systems and microcontrollers
• Strong troubleshooting skills and experience with laboratory instrumentation
• Experience or interest in programming (Python, C/C++, VHDL/Verilog)
• Clear, concise communication skills in English

Electronics Technician:

• State-certified electronics technician qualification or equivalent
• Practical experience with soldering, cable assembly and fine mechanics or optics work
• Familiarity with cleanroom environments and ESD protocols
• Comfortable using laboratory equipment for testing and diagnostics
• Excellent teamwork and documentation skills

Desirable skills for all roles

• Familiarity with EMC/EMI considerations and safety norms for electrical equipment and machinery
• Knowledge of PLC technologies or cryogenic systems
• Experience in international or interdisciplinary teams
• Interest in astronomical instrumentation or large-scale scientific facilities

All advertised positions require business trips to suppliers and consortia premises in Europe and to the ESO sites in Chile. Interested and suitable candidates may also work on-site at the ELT in Chile on temporary transfer for an agreed period of time.

Language skills

An excellent command of English (written and spoken) is essential. Knowledge of German and/or Spanish is an asset.

Remuneration, benefits and contract conditions

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 support to place your child/children in daycare.

Our salary 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. Please follow this link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/

ESO aims to support 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.

• International Staff Member - The initial contract is for a fixed term duration of three years and is subject to successful completion of the probation period.
• Paid Associate - The initial contract is for a fixed-term duration of one year with the possibility of a fixed-term extension of one final year.

In both cases, extensions of contract may be possible based on individual performance and programme needs in particular for the ELT Programme, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. Please note that contract policies may therefore be subject to change.

For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/).

Apply now:

If you're passionate about electronics and want to work on some of the most advanced scientific infrastructure in the world, and in a stimulating international environment, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of astronomy. Applicants are invited to apply online at http://recruitment.eso.org/.

Please indicate in your application which profile(s) best match your skills and experience:

• Electronics Engineer
• Junior Electronics Engineer
• Electronics Technician

Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV. Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Closing date for applications for all roles is 9 November 2025.

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.