The successful applicant will be an Electrical Engineer in the Electronics and Electrical Group within the MSE Department at the Paranal site of the La Silla Paranal Observatory. In 2028, in order to prepare for the integrated operations with ELT, the Observatory organizational structure will change and be process-based so all engineers will be moved to the new structure, keeping similar roles and responsibilities.

The role is strongly focused on electrical engineering projects and maintenance activities, including the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as the development and implementation of upgrade, obsolescence and expansion projects. The position also supports energy management, while acting as a key interface with ESO headquarters in Garching, Germany, for new instruments and infrastructure projects. 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).

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will have the following main duties:





Electrical Systems Operation and Maintenance

- Plan and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of electrical systems
- Ensure high availability and reliability of equipment including MV/LV networks, UPS systems, grounding, and power quality
- Perform and support fault analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations

Electrical Projects and Engineering

- Lead and contribute to electrical engineering projects from definition through design, implementation, and commissioning
- Define technical requirements for new systems, upgrades (including normal and UPS supply)
- Coordinate with internal teams and HQ for integration of new infrastructure and instruments

Energy Management

- Develop and monitor energy consumption forecasts
- Optimize electricity usage and contribute to energy efficiency initiatives
- Manage energy billing and cost analysis

Contract and Service Management

- Manage electrical service contracts, including maintenance of critical systems (e.g., PCS)
- Define technical specifications, supervise contractors, and ensure quality of deliverables

Lifecycle and Obsolescence Management

- Develop and implement obsolescence and lifecycle management strategies
- Propose and implement obsolescence mitigation actions




- Assess risks and define upgrade and replacement plans
- Promote system standardization and long-term sustainability

Interface with ESO HQ and Projects

- Act as the technical focal point for HQ-led projects
- Support design reviews, installation, testing, and commissioning phases

Safety and Compliance

- Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards and regulations
- Support risk assessments and safe work practices, including LOTO procedures

Reports to:

The Group Leader of Electronics and Electrical Group

Experience:

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

- Electrical engineering projects (design, installation, commissioning)
- Maintenance of electrical infrastructure in complex or industrial environments
- Power systems (MV/LV), UPS, and power quality
- Contract management and contractor supervision
- Relevant IEC standards and safety regulations

Desirable experience:

- In scientific or large-scale technical facilities
- Knowledge of energy management systems and power quality monitoring
- Experience in lifecycle or asset management strategies

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. <

📌 Electrical Engineer (Cerro Paranal)
🏢 EU Satellite Centre (SatCen)
📍 Cerro Paranal