Electronic Engineering: opportunities at a variety of career stages

European Southern Observatory; Garching bei München; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading astronomical organization in Garching, Germany, is seeking Electronics Engineers, Junior Electronics Engineers, and Technicians to support advanced astronomical projects, including the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). The roles focus on developing complex electronic systems, requiring a degree in Electronics Engineering and strong troubleshooting skills. These positions offer a three-year contract with competitive benefits.

Leistungen

Competitive salary

Comprehensive pension scheme

Medical and educational benefits

Relocation support

Qualifikationen

• At least 3 years relevant work experience for Electronics Engineers.
• Knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers is essential.
• Experience in PLC technologies is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Contribute to design, development, and maintenance of electronic systems.
• Work on embedded systems and PCB design.
• Provide technical support in cleanroom environments.

Kenntnisse

PLC-based control systems

Analog/digital circuit design

Programming (Python, C/C++, VHDL/Verilog)

Troubleshooting skills

Documentation skills

Teamwork

Ausbildung

University degree in Electronics Engineering or related field

Tools

Altium Designer

PSpice

Cleanroom equipment

Jobbeschreibung

Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online.Read more..

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. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.

ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA and APEX), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and 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. And 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.

Due to the need for additional resources associated with the ELT programme, for the Electronic Engineering Department, within the Directorate of Engineering (DoE) at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, ESO is seeking skilled and motivated individuals to join its Electronic Engineering Department (ELE) and is opening several new positions.

Electronic Engineering: opportunities at a variety of career stages

We are offering a number of exciting roles across different experience levels, applicable to recent graduates through to experienced engineers and technicians. These positions are crucial to supporting the development of innovative electronic systems

for ESO's world-class observatories in Chile, including the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).

Whether you're a recent graduate, a hands-on technician, or an experienced electronics engineer, you'll contribute to the design, development, assembly, integration, testing, commissioning and maintenance of complex electronic and control systems, often in collaboration with international consortia and industrial partners.

Openings include:

1. Electronics Engineers (x2) Contribute throughout the entire lifecycle of complex control systems for astronomical instruments or telescope infrastructure. Tasks include PLC-based control systems, analog/digital electronics, firmware development and technical project follow-up with consortia and suppliers. Candidates should have at least 3 years relevant work experience, ideally in an industrial environment, and within certain margins the two positions can be adapted to the profile of the applicants. These positions are offered on the basis of an initial three-year fixed-term International Staff member contract, in Career path V (see below section on Remuneration, Benefits and Contracts for further details).

2. Junior Electronics Engineers (x2) Roles ideal for recent graduates. Work alongside senior engineers on real-world projects, starting from new design activities up to maintenance and modification of the electrical/electronic systems of existing plants. These roles includes a broad theoretical and hands-on training on embedded systems, PCB design, handling of opto-mechanical and detector equipment, electromagnetic compliance tests and interference studies, hazard and risk assessment, acceptance tests and integration activities. These contracts are offered on the basis of a Paid Associate contract in Career Path III for up to two years.

3. Electronics Technician (x1) Support the laboratory and cleanroom activities at ESO including the handling and testing of detectors, assembly and integration of cryogenic and electronic components, EMC and safety compliance, and detailed reporting. Work closely with engineers and play a key role in precision assembly and quality assurance. This role is offered on the basis of an initial three-year fixed term International Staff member contract in Career Path III (see below for further details).

General duties and responsibilities:

Depending on the position and level of experience, responsibilities may include:

• Design and development of analog and digital electronic circuits and systems
• PLC-based automation for instrumentation and telescope subsystems (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens S7 1500)
• Development of mixed-signal PCBs and embedded firmware (e.g., SoCs, microcontrollers)
• Participation in system testing, validation and integration campaigns
• Assembly and wiring of electronic components and cabinets, including cryogenic applications
• Technical support in cleanroom and laboratory environments
• Documentation, specification writing, and participation in design reviews
• Coordination with suppliers, consortia and external partners across Europe
• Contribution to quality and safety processes including EMC compliance and tests

Who we're looking for:

We welcome applicants who largely match one of the following profiles:

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Electronics Engineers (Experienced and Junior):

• A university degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Knowledge of analog/digital circuit design and tools (e.g., Altium Designer, PSpice)
• Experience with PLC based Control Systems
• Familiarity with development on embedded systems and microcontrollers
• Strong troubleshooting skills and experience with laboratory instrumentation
• Experience or interest in programming (Python, C/C++, VHDL/Verilog)
• Clear, concise communication skills in English
• Practical experience with soldering, cable assembly and fine mechanics or optics work
• Familiarity with cleanroom environments and ESD protocols
• Comfortable using laboratory equipment for testing and diagnostics
• Excellent teamwork and documentation skills

Desirable skills for all roles

• Familiarity with EMC/EMI considerations and safety norms for electrical equipment and machinery
• Knowledge of PLC technologies or cryogenic systems
• Experience in international or interdisciplinary teams
• Interest in astronomical instrumentation or large-scale scientific facilities

All advertised positions require business trips to suppliers and consortia premises in Europe and to the ESO sites in Chile. Interested and suitable candidates may also work on-site at the ELT in Chile on temporary transfer for an agreed period of time.

An excellent command of English (written and spoken) is essential. Knowledge of German and/or Spanish is an asset.

Remuneration, benefits and contract conditions

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.

• International Staff Member - The initial contract is for a fixed term duration of three years and is subject to successful completion of the probation period.
• Paid Associate - The initial contract is for a fixed-term duration of one year with the possibility of a fixed-term extension of one final year.

In both cases, extensions of contract may be possible based on individual performance and programme needs in particular for the ELT Programme, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. Please note that contract policies may therefore be subject to change.

If you're passionate about electronics and want to work on some of the most advanced scientific infrastructure in the world, and in a stimulating international environment, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of astronomy. Applicants are invited to apply online at http://recruitment.eso.org/ .

Please indicate in your application which profile(s) best match your skills and experience:

• Junior Electronics Engineer

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.

Closing date for applications for all roles is 9 November 2025.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

ESO Values

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.

The ESO values are:

ESO strives for excellence through innovation.

ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.

ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.

ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.

Achieving 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.

Applicants 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.

No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.