The successful applicant will be an Electronics Engineer in the Electronics and Electrical Group within the MSE Department at the Paranal site of the La Silla Paranal Observatory. The position is for an Electronics Engineer with strong and proven expertise in PLC-based control systems, who will support both operational activities and projects across the Paranal Observatory. The MSE Department, with a workforce of 85 engineers and technicians, provides maintenance and technical support to the four 8m VLT telescopes, to the VLT Interferometer with its auxiliary telescopes, the VST and VISTA survey telescopes and to all instruments available for scientific observations. The Electronics and Electrical Group is comprised of 16 engineers and technicians and is responsible for all telescope electronics, site electrical distribution and backup power generation, and other miscellaneous systems like the site atmospheric monitoring equipment at the Paranal Observatory. The selected candidate may contribute to the operation and future development of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).

For further information about working at ESO, see the podcast "Engineers at ESO" at: https://www.eso.org/public/videos/esocast186a/

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will have the following main duties:

As Electronics Engineer:

• Act as technical owner of one or more electronic and control systems, ensuring their availability, performance, and long-term maintainability.
• Plan and perform corrective and preventive maintenance activities.
• Perform technological obsolescence analysis and contribute to the definition and implementation of mitigation strategies.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex electronic, electrical, and PLC-based control systems.
• Propose and implement system modifications and upgrades, including analysis, design, commissioning, documentation, and handover.
• Provide expert support on PLC-related topics to the Electronics Group and, when required, to other Paranal groups.
• Contribute to PLC-based control system upgrade and modernization activities.
• Interface with Headquarters experts and with Support and Quality Assurance group.

Support activities:

• Execute performance analysis when needed.
• Coordinate and supervise contractor activities in close collaboration with the relevant Work Package Manager.
• Participate in Assembly, Integration, and Verification (AIV) activities and ensure effective knowledge transfer to operations.
• Supports other groups like Instrumentation and Software in electronics engineering
• Any critical Paranal observatory activities for which your competencies are requested by your manager.

Reports to:

The Group Leader of Electronics and Electrical Group.

Experience:

The candidate has, ideally, 5 years of professional experience in:

• Professional experience in operation and maintenance of industrial and/or scientific facilities.
• Demonstrable knowledge of PLC systems, including programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Siemens PLC platforms (ideally S7 / TIA Portal, knowledge of S5 is an asset).
• Experience with Beckhoff PLC systems is highly desirable.
• Experience with Safety PLCs and industrial fieldbuses (e.g. Profibus, Profinet, CANbus, EtherCAT).
• Background in analogue and digital electronics, motion control, electrical drives, and industrial instrumentation.

Desirable experience:

• PLC-based control system upgrades, migrations, or refurbishment projects.
• Contributing to or leading technological obsolescence mitigation projects.
• Linux/Unix and Windows environments; basic programming skills (e.g. Python or C++).
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 and remote monitoring technologies.
• Knowledge or experience in project management (planning, coordination, follow-up).

Key Competences:

The candidate should have several of the following competences (technical and soft):

• Team player and ability to collaborate effectively in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Ability to understand complex systems at both system and detail level.
• Analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Hands-on, structured, and pragmatic working approach.
• Good self-organization and ability to manage priorities.
• Proactive attitude toward continuous improvement.
• Motivation to contribute to a leading international astronomical organization.

Qualifications:

University degree in electronics engineering or equivalent engineering field.

Language Skills:

ESO is an international organization where the official language is English. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

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/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance) between their professional and private life.

The initial contract is for a two-year term subject to medical clearance and successful completion of the probation period with a possibility of indefinite extension following the two years. 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 8 days on duty and 6 days off duty (8x6) with accommodation provided on site, after a probation period with the appropriate shift scheme. In the case of contract renewal, when integrated operations of VLT and ELT are starting, the duty station might change to Santiago with frequent travels to the Observatory (hybrid shifts).

Career Path: V

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.

Closing date for applications 15 March 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.