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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 of powerful 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, and will host and operate the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, the world's largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray 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 (ELT), which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky" and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.
ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation and is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. For further information about working at ESO, see the podcast 'Engineers at ESO' at: https://www.eso.org/public/videos/esocast186a/
Within the Directorate of Programmes, at Cerro Armazones and Paranal Observatory close to Antofagasta, ESO is advertising a local staff member position for:
As part of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) development, the activities for the Assembly, Integration and Verification phase (AIV) involve the installation, integration and verification of the telescope's systems and components. These activities require close coordination between engineering teams, technical specialists and support services working at Cerro Armazones and Paranal Observatory.
The selected candidate will be part of the AIV On Site Engineering Department (OED), which provides the main engineering workforce that will integrate the ELT including: installation and alignment of the mirrors and optical sensing subsystems; deployment of supporting infrastructure; control system installation and commissioning; telescope commissioning. The AIV technician will provide hands-on technical and logistical support for the preparation and execution of these activities on-site.
The successful candidate will help ensure that work areas, equipment, tools and infrastructure are ready for technical operations, while providing practical support to project teams during installation and integration activities. This includes preparing the working areas, checking the availability of equipment and infrastructure, organizing tools and consumables, supporting small procurements, checking the readiness of the facilities and providing local technical support to the teams arriving from Europe. Local support is also needed during the activities to solve practical issues and coordinate with the different technical teams on site.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Preparation of work areas prior to AIV activities.
- Mechanical and electrical support for installation and integration activities.
- Coordination of local logistical preparations with site services and other ESO departments and project teams.
- Support for minor procurements, material reception and organization of tools and consumables.
- Verification of infrastructure readiness before the arrival of project teams.
- Day-to-day technical support for visiting project teams during mobilization and demobilization.
Reports to:
Head of the On-Site Engineering Department.
Key Competences and Experience:
- At least three years of practical experience in mechanical, electrical or electromechanical installation or maintenance in an industrial or technical environment.
- Practical knowledge of mechanical/electrical systems, tools and equipment used for assembly and installation activities.
- Ability to read basic technical drawings, installation instructions and technical documentation.
- Experience in preparing work areas and organising tools, equipment and materials for technical activities.
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements in environments.
- Ability to work independently, solve practical problems and cooperate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to support small procurements, including preparing purchase requests, obtaining quotations and following up on orders and deliveries.
Desirable Competences and Experience:
- Experience with lifting and handling equipment, such as forklifts or manlifts.
Qualifications:
Essential educational level:
A professional qualification in Engineering Technology or Applied Engineering (IngenierÃa en ejecución) in Mechanical, Electrical, Electromechanical, Industrial or a related technical field, or an equivalent technical or engineering qualification from a recognised higher education institution.
Qualifications which would be an asset:
- Certification for operation of forklifts or other lifting and handling equipment.
- Training in occupational health and safety for industrial installations.
Language skills:
ESO is an international organization where the official language is English. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and educational benefits, as well as financial help in relocating the candidate's family, where applicable. ESO aims to support its members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions/brochure-lsm-updated.pdf) between their professional and private life.
This is a project related position offered on an initial two-year fixed term contract, subject to medical clearance and successful completion of the probation period. The contract may be extended depending on performance and the duration of the AIV phase of the ELT project. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
For further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions/brochure-lsm-sp-updated.pdf
Duty Station:
Paranal Observatory located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile. The working schedule will be a 5x2 shift with accommodation provided on site, after a probation period with the appropriate shift scheme. Pick up point and residence area is Antofagasta.
The role is based on-site at ESO and relocation to the duty station area is required. Staff at ESO benefit from a mobile working policy that allows for limited hybrid working for work-life balance purposes.
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/. Your application should be in English and include your curriculum vitae (CV) and a letter of motivation. All interviews will be conducted in English.
Deadline for applications is 25 November 2026.
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.
Nationality
No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO. However, non-Chilean applicants must hold a valid Chilean permanent residence at the time of application.
ESO is committed to equal opportunities. The post is equally open to suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion.