This is an ESO position. The full job posting and application details are available on the ESO website.

The successful applicant will be the Senior Mechanical Engineer within the CTAO Team at the ESO La Silla Paranal Observatory, who will be responsible for the procurement, on-site installation and operation of infrastructure and equipment, such as power generators, special vehicles, lifting- and handling equipment, as well as for the posterior maintenance of these systems.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will actively participate in the preparation of the CTAO-South site for the installation and commissioning of the Cherenkov telescopes and their related calibration equipment. S/he will also support the CTAO member institutes during assembly and integration tasks on site and contribute to the development of the subsequent technical operations related to the maintenance of the CTAO-South telescope array and its facilities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will have the following main duties:

• Preparation of procurement documentation for CTAO-South infrastructure, equipment, facilities, and services; perform procurements and accompany tender processes, coordinate contracts where applicable.
• Lead and supervise the implementation and operation of temporary and of permanent installations at the CTAO-South.
• Support the CTAO member institutes during the assembly, integration and commissioning phases of telescopes and calibration equipment at the CTAO-South.
• Contribute to the design and planning efforts of infrastructure and facilities at the site, including support with the preparation and monitoring of the CTAO-South budget.
• Lead he preparation of the CTAO-South preventive maintenance program for telescopes, infrastructure, facilities, and vehicles; provide technical leadership for corrective maintenance.
• Implement and track maintenance tasks via a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), ensuring due configuration control and traceability, and organize and manage inventory and spare part stock.
• Monitor the technical performance of telescopes and equipment and issue suggestions for improvements where appropriate.

Reports to:

The CTAO-South Senior Mechanical Engineer reports to the CTAO-South Site Manager.

Key Competencies:

• Excellent and broad technical knowledge and understanding, which allows to adapt to different and complex systems quickly.
• Ability to prepare precise and well-organized technical documentation.
• Very good planning and organizational skills.
• Team player with the ability to coordinate and supervise multi-disciplinary teams.
• Clear, respectful and effective communication.
• Experience with the maintenance of complex technical systems, using tools like computerized maintenance management systems.
• Versed in the use of productivity tools like Excel, Word, and Project.
• Ability to build constructive relationships and manage conflict, maintaining a cooperative and solution-oriented environment.
• Strong focus on safety and compliance, ensuring proper implementation of health & safety plans and adherence to applicable policies.
• Desirable: experience with the use of CAD systems, e.g. AutoCAD.

Qualifications:

• Applicants for this position should have a university degree in Mechanical Engineering or in a similar technical discipline, or equivalent work experience, with at least 10 years of field experience in the areas of site construction and/or technical plant operation, including assembly, integration, commissioning and maintenance tasks, preferably at a large-scale scientific project.
• Excellent communication skills.

Language Skills:

ESO is an international organization where the official language is English. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Spoken Spanish is highly desirable for communication in the day-to day business.

For the complete job description with contract and application details, go to the ESO recruitment portal: http://recruitment.eso.org/.

Deadlines for applications: 15 May 2026