Instrumentation Alignment and Verification Engineer

The European Southern Observatory; Garching bei München; Vor Ort; EUR 70.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research organization in Germany seeks an experienced Instrumentation Engineer with a strong background in optical testing and system alignment. The role involves integrating within a team to develop and test advanced astronomical instruments for key observatories. Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience, strong metrology skills, and effective communication abilities. A competitive salary, extensive relocation support, and a family-friendly work environment are offered.

Leistungen

Comprehensive pension scheme

Medical and educational benefits

Financial relocation assistance

Qualifikationen

• At least 5 years of experience with optical instruments in clean-room environments.
• Experience in systems engineering practices for optical instruments.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-national teams.

Aufgaben

• Ensure feasibility of instrument alignment with performance targets.
• Define requirements and verification plans for development phases.
• Lead troubleshooting and analysis of performance deviations.

Kenntnisse

Metrology techniques

Optical instrument alignment

Optical testing

Ausbildung

MSc or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Laser tracker

Interferometry techniques

Optical simulation tools

Jobbeschreibung

The Systems Engineering Department comprises a team of 30 engineers, distributed over 3 groups. The department provides Systems Engineering expertise to ESO's projects, in particular for the development of the Extremely Large Telescope and its sub-systems and for the design and development of advanced optical and infrared instrumentation for the telescopes of ESO's La Silla-Paranal Observatory. We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced instrumentation engineer / physicist with a strong background in system alignment and optical testing. You will be integrated in a team of experts responsible for the development, integration and verification of astronomical instrumentation from the first concepts, to the final product delivered to and tested at the observatory. The instruments span optical to thermal infrared wavelengths, a variety of world‑class technologies, and may be deployed at La Silla, Paranal (VLT, VLTI, VISTA) or Armazones (ELT) observatories.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

You will have the following main duties:

• Ensure the feasibility of instrument alignment approaches with respect to performance targets, cost, and manufacturability.
• Contribute to the definition of requirements and verification plans, ensuring comprehensive test coverage across development phases that balances risk mitigation and cost.
• Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis of performance deviations during integration and verification.
• Collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including systems engineers, AIV managers, and specialists in optics, mechanics, cryogenics, detectors, and software.
• Provide training and mentoring to junior engineers in alignment and optical test methods, fostering knowledge transfer and appropriate documentation. Contribute to lessons‑learned exercises and improving systems engineering processes.

Reports to:

The Head of the Instrument Systems Group.

Experience:

You shall have at least 5 years of experience in:

• Alignment and testing of optical instruments, including hands‑on work in clean‑room environments.
• Applying systems engineering good practices in the development of optical instruments or test equipment, especially in the verification activities.
• Working in multi‑disciplinary and multi‑national teams within large scientific or engineering projects.

Key competences:

Essential Competences and Experience:

• Proven experience with metrology techniques, in particular laser tracker, theodolite, auto‑collimator, and wavefront sensing with Shack‑Hartmann and interferometry techniques.
• Broad knowledge of optical & mechanical manufacturing, optical technologies, opto‑mechanical engineering, testing / characterisation / calibration methods used in optical and infrared instrumentation. Experience in the context of cryogenic instruments, mechanisms and/or seismic/vibration‑prone environments is an asset.
• Proven ability in building strong, effective relationships across cultures and disciplines, both within and outside the organization, and to foster consensus while keeping the project objectives in focus. Very good communication skills.

Desirable competences:

• Familiarity with AIT activities at astronomical observatories or large‑scale integration facilities.
• Ability to analyse instrument performances and develop supporting tools.
• Experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Matlab) for data analysis and test automation.
• Experience with optical simulation / modelling tools (e.g. Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, FRED) is an asset.

Qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Astronomy, or a closely related field.
• Additional training or certification in systems engineering or project management is an asset.

Language Skills:

ESO is an international organization where the working language is English. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Remuneration and Contract:

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 in placing your child/children in daycare.

Our Salary Structure

ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our jobs. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience. Please follow this attached link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work‑life balance https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance between their professional and private life. ESO is also committed to offering family‑friendly support https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support, creating a work environment and policies which allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich, Germany with regular duty trips to ESO sites in Chile. Frequent travel to scientific institutes and companies within Europe and to the observatories in Chile will be necessary. Temporary transfer or / and long missions to Chile might be needed.

Career Path:

VApplication: If 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.

Application:

Applicants are invited to apply online at http://recruitment.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. Closing date for applications is 19 January 2026. Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.