{"id":4076651,"url":"https://alion.io/job/eso-telescope-and-instrument-operator","title":"Telescope and Instrument Operator","company":{"id":35797,"name":"ESO","domain":"eso.org","url":"https://alion.io/company/eso","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Career sitemap","truth_index":null},"role":"Field & Service","role_family":"Field & Service","seniority":null,"employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Chile"],"countries":["CL"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Linux","optional":true},{"name":"Python","optional":true},{"name":"Unix","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-11T15:37:36Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-11","last_verified_at":"2026-11-13T17:23:34Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":2,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":2},"description":"The successful candidate will operate the Very Large Telescope (VLT) units as well as the smaller telescopes at Paranal observatory, together with their attached scientific instruments. The position may also involve contributions to operations development within the Integrated Operations (IOP) Programme, which aims to integrate VLT and ELT into a single observatory. The Paranal Science Operations Department (PSO) consists of around 60 staff members of more than a dozen nationalities. PSO's mission is to produce high-quality astronomical data and to maintain or improve the scientific performance of Paranal's instruments. Telescope and Instruments Operators work in close collaboration with astronomers in performing and analysing observations.\n\nMain Duties and Responsibilities:\n\nCore duties:\n\nOperate the telescopes and their astronomical instruments at maximum efficiency while maintaining the safety of people and equipment. \n\nDrive and monitor computer-controlled equipment, make real-time decisions about scheduling and observation execution, and monitor weather conditions to protect the telescopes and instruments.\n\nPerform quality control of the acquired astronomical data.\n\nPerform basic troubleshooting of the telescopes and instruments. \n\nReport, track, and assist in diagnosing and resolving technical and scientific problems.\n\nDepending on qualifications and organisational needs, the role may include participation in operations development. This may include defining, reviewing, and implementing operational procedures and documentation, monitoring and characterising instruments/systems performance, contributing to projects within the Integrated Operations (IOP) Programme.\n\nReports to:\n\nHead of the TIO group.\n\nExperience:\n\nSeveral years of experience operating high-technology systems, and/or working in environments requiring real-time risk assessment and decision-making are highly desirable. Experience with python programming and analysis of astronomical data is an asset.\n\nKey Competences:\n\nWe look for high motivation and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams and an interest in scientific work. An operative knowledge of LINUX/UNIX is required. Proficiency in at least one programming language (preferably python) is highly desirable.\n\nEssential competences\n\nProven ability to operate and monitor complex technical systems, preferably telescopes, scientific instruments, or equivalent industrial control systems.\n\nFamiliarity with data acquisition systems and basic principles of quality control in scientific or technical environments.\n\nCapacity to identify, report, and assist in the troubleshooting of technical issues.\n\nGood computer literacy, including experience with Linux-based systems, command-line interfaces, and operational GUIs.\n\nAwareness of operational safety standards and ability to follow established procedures under variable environmental conditions.\n\nDesirable competences\n\nProficiency in at least one programming or scripting language (preferably Python)\n\nUnderstanding optical, mechanical, cryogenic, and electronic subsystems relevant to telescope and instrument operations.\n\nFamiliarity with data analysis, maintenance activities, and preventive actions on complex systems.\n\nDriving license\n\nAs operations take place in the Observatory's control room, an open environment shared with astronomers and technical teams, strong soft skills are highly valued to ensure smooth collaboration in a multidisciplinary and multicultural workplace.\n\nStrong sense of responsibility and reliability in operating high-value scientific equipment.\n\nExcellent teamwork skills and ability to communicate effectively with engineers, scientists, and colleagues.\n\nProactive attitude and flexibility to adapt to evolving operational procedures, technologies, and instruments.\n\nCommitment to continuous learning and to maintain technical competence through regular training.\n\nQualifications:\n\nPreferably a university degree in software, electronics engineering, or natural sciences, or a superior technical degree in these areas. A background in astronomy and/or experience with adaptive optics systems is advantageous but not required.\n\nLanguage Skills:\n\nESO is an international organization where the official language is English. The position requires proficiency in oral and written communication in English.\n\nRemuneration and Contract:\n\nWe 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.\n\nThis is a project related position offered on an two-year fixed term contract with no possibility of extension, 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.\n\nFor further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions/brochure-lsm-sp-updated.pdf \n\nDuty Station:\n\nCore duties are performed at Paranal Observatory, near Antofagasta (130 km. South), Chile. The working schedule is a 7-night shift on-site, followed by 7 nights off duty. Accommodation is provided on site. Depending on operational needs and personal expertise, tasks may also be performed at ESO's Vitacura office, or via mobile work in accordance with ESO's mobile working policies. Residence in Santiago is therefore preferred.\n\nCareer Path: IV\n\nApplication:\n\nIf you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit (http://www.eso.org) for further details. Applicants are invited to apply online at https://jobs.eso.org/. 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.\n\nClosing date for applications is 13 December 2026.\n\nESO Values\n\nAn important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.\n\nThe ESO values are:\n\nESO strives for excellence through innovation.\n\nESO provides outstanding services to its communities.\n\nESO fosters diversity & inclusion.\n\nESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future. \n\nAchieving 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.\n\nApplicants 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.\n\nDiversity\n\nESO 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.\n\nNationality\n\nNo nationality is excluded, however non-Chilean applicants must have a pertinent working permit, according to Chilean regulations, at the time of the application. 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