The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is hiring an Electrical Engineer as an international staff member at Paranal Observatory in northern Chile, with applications closing on 24 November 2026. The three-year fixed-term post calls for a university degree in electrical engineering and, ideally, 5 years of proven professional experience. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy (advert no. 2026_0065) and set out below every duty, requirement and contract condition so you can decide whether your profile fits.
What ESO Does and Why It Matters
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. It carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities that enable astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.
ESO's Sites in Chile and Germany
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile, and its Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany:
🏔️ La Silla
🌌 Paranal
📡 Chajnantor, home to ALMA and APEX
🏢 ESO Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany
The Telescopes Connected to Paranal
Paranal is at the centre of some of the largest projects in ground-based astronomy:
🔭 At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory.
☄️ Paranal 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.
🌠 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.
Where This Electrical Engineer Position Sits
The vacancy is within the Maintenance, Support and Engineering Department (MSE) at the La Silla Paranal Observatory, inside the Directorate of Operations. The successful applicant will be an Electrical Engineer in the Electronics and Electrical Group within the MSE Department at the Paranal site, and will report to the Group Leader of the Electronics and Electrical Group.
Inside the MSE Department at Paranal
The MSE Department has a workforce of 85 engineers and technicians. It provides maintenance and technical support to:
🔧 The four 8m VLT telescopes
🎛️ The VLT Interferometer with its auxiliary telescopes
🗺️ The VST and VISTA survey telescopes
🔬 All instruments available for scientific observations
The Electronics and Electrical Group
The Electronics and Electrical Group is made up of 16 engineers and technicians. At the Paranal Observatory it is responsible for:
🔌 All telescope electronics
🗼 Site electrical distribution
🔋 Backup power generation
🌦️ Other miscellaneous systems, such as the site atmospheric monitoring equipment
The selected candidate may also contribute to the operation and future development of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).
What Changes at the Observatory in 2028
In 2028, in order to prepare for the integrated operations with the ELT, the Observatory's organisational structure will change and become process-based. All engineers will be moved to the new structure, keeping similar roles and responsibilities.
The Focus of the Role
The role is strongly focused on electrical engineering projects and maintenance activities. It covers:
📋 Planning, execution and continuous improvement of preventive and corrective maintenance
🚀 Development and implementation of upgrade, obsolescence and expansion projects
🌱 Support for energy management
🤝 Acting as a key interface with ESO headquarters in Garching, Germany, for new instruments and infrastructure projects
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The selected candidate will have the following main duties, grouped by area.
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 and upgrades, including normal and UPS supply.
🧩 Coordinate with internal teams and HQ for the integration of new infrastructure and instruments.
Energy Management
📈 Develop and monitor energy consumption forecasts.
💡 Optimise 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 (for example PCS).
👷 Define technical specifications, supervise contractors and ensure the 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 standardisation 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.
Experience ESO Is Looking For
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
🏛️ 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 Technical and Soft Competences
The candidate should have several of the following competences:
🌐 Being a team player, with the 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
🤲 A hands-on, structured and pragmatic working approach
🗓️ Good self-organisation and the ability to manage priorities
🔁 A proactive attitude toward continuous improvement
✨ Motivation to contribute to a leading international astronomical organisation
Degree and Language Requirements
🎓 Qualification: a university degree in electrical engineering.
🗣️ English: ESO is an international organisation where the official language is English, and the position requires excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
💬 Spanish: spoken Spanish is highly desirable for communication in day-to-day business.
Remuneration and Benefits at ESO
ESO offers an attractive remuneration package that includes:
🏦 A competitive salary
🛡️ A comprehensive pension scheme
🩺 Medical benefits
📚 Educational and other social benefits
🚚 Financial help in relocating your family
🧸 The possibility to place your child or children in daycare
Work-Life Balance and Family Support
ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance between their professional and private life. It is also committed to offering family-friendly support, creating a work environment and policies that allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.
Contract Length and Conditions
📄 Contract type: international staff member position.
⏱️ Duration: fixed term of three years, subject to successful completion of the probation period.
➕ Extension: there may be a possibility of extension, subject to individual performance and the organisational requirements of the project, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations.
🔄 Policy review: the contract policy, and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts, are currently under review, which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.
🪜 Career Path: V
Life on Duty at Paranal Observatory
The duty station is 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.
Who Can Apply and Who Receives Preference
No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO. However, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of ESO's Member States, host states and strategic partners, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile.
ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation. It is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.
The Values ESO Expects You to Share
ESO describes harmony in values between an organisation and its people as an important element in any successful employment relationship. Its values are:
🏆 ESO strives for excellence through innovation.
🌟 ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.
🫶 ESO fosters diversity and inclusion.
🌍 ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.
ESO considers these achievable only on the basis of personal values and attitudes that it expects from its employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear and open communication. Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and are advised that they may be asked about them if called for interview.
How to Apply for the Electrical Engineer Post
Applications are submitted online and must be completed in English. Your application should include:
✉️ A motivation letter
📃 A CV
☎️ Within your CV, 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. Interviews are expected to start soon after the closing date.
You can browse similar roles in our Jobs section on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly will the Electrical Engineer work?
The post is based at Paranal Observatory, located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta in Chile. The position sits in the Electronics and Electrical Group of the Maintenance, Support and Engineering Department at the Paranal site.
How long is the ESO contract?
The contract is for a fixed term of three years and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. An extension may be possible, depending on individual performance, organisational requirements and the applicable staff rules.
What is the working schedule at Paranal?
The schedule is 8 days on duty and 6 days off duty (8x6), with accommodation provided on site. This applies after a probation period with the appropriate shift scheme.
How much experience do I need for this job?
ESO ideally expects 5 years of proven professional experience in electrical engineering projects, maintenance of electrical infrastructure, MV/LV power systems, UPS and power quality, contract management and relevant IEC standards. Experience in scientific or large-scale technical facilities is desirable.
Which degree is required?
A university degree in electrical engineering is required for this position.
Do I need to speak Spanish at Paranal?
Excellent oral and written English is required, as English is ESO's official language. Spoken Spanish is highly desirable for communication in day-to-day business.
Can applicants of any nationality apply to ESO?
No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO. Recruitment preference is given to nationals of the Member States, host states and strategic partners listed in the advert.
Does ESO publish the salary for this vacancy?
The advert does not state a salary figure. It describes an attractive package with a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, relocation help for your family and the possibility of daycare.
Will my referees be contacted straight away?
No. You list three people familiar with your work inside your CV, and they will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Will I work on the Extremely Large Telescope?
The selected candidate may contribute to the operation and future development of the ELT. Its operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory, and in 2028 the Observatory's structure will become process-based in preparation for this.
What will I be asked about at interview?
ESO advises applicants that they may be asked about their affinity with its values if called for interview. These cover excellence through innovation, outstanding service, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.
Deadline
⏳ 24 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply for this position: https://recruitment.eso.org/jobs/2026_0065/apply_for?job=2026_0065
🖥️ ESO recruitment portal: https://recruitment.eso.org/
🪐 ESO website: https://www.eso.org
🎬 Engineers at ESO podcast: https://www.eso.org/public/videos/esocast186a/
🕰️ Work-life balance at ESO: https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance
👪 Family-friendly support at ESO: https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support
📧 Contact email: vacchile@eso.org
