Electrical Engineer

European Southern Observatory; Antofagasta; On-site; CLP 88,757,000 - 118,343,000; Full time

Job summary

The European Southern Observatory is seeking an Electrical Engineer in the Electronics and Electrical Group at the Paranal site. The role supports electrical systems operation, project engineering, energy management, and lifecycle strategies for complex facilities, liaising with HQ and field teams.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in MV/LV power systems, contractor management, and adherence to IEC safety standards, with experience in large-scale scientific facilities.

Qualifications

• University degree in electrical engineering.
• 5 years of professional experience in electrical engineering projects.
• Experience with MV/LV power systems, UPS, and power quality.
• Contract management and supervision of contractors.
• Familiarity with IEC standards and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of electrical systems.
• Lead and contribute to electrical engineering projects from definition through design, implementation, and commissioning.
• Develop and monitor energy consumption forecasts; optimize electricity usage and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Manage electrical service contracts and supervise contractors to ensure quality of deliverables.
• Develop obsolescence and lifecycle management strategies and mitigation actions.
• Act as technical focal point for HQ-led projects and support design reviews, installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards and risk assessments.

Skills

Team player

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Self-organization

Proactive attitude

Education

Electrical engineering degree

Tools

Power systems

HV/LV networks

UPS maintenance

Contract management

Job description

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.

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.
• Motivation to contribute to a leading international astronomical organization.

Qualifications:

University degree in electrical engineering.

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.