Telescope Operator

CTAO ERIC; Breña Baja; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Social benefits plan up to €600/year

Job summary

CTAO seeks a CTAO-North Site Telescope Operator for its La Palma northern array. Initially focus on commissioning the Cherenkov telescopes during the first two years, then operating instrumentation, telescopes, and calibration equipment.

Work with the LST Collaboration and CTAO staff to define procedures for night observations and shift reports. Responsibilities include operating LSTs, documenting procedures, and ensuring safety while contributing to public engagement and science outreach at ORM

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering, Technical Physics, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience operating complex technical or scientific systems, preferably telescopes and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux, computing software, and OS.
• Willingness to work night shifts and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot LSTs and subsystems during day and night.
• Collaborate with LST Collaboration to define night observation processes.
• Develop operation documentation and calibrate instruments as needed.
• Help with safety procedures and outreach activities.

Skills

Telescope operation

Unix/Linux proficiency

English proficiency

Driver's license

Night shift readiness

Education

Engineering/Technical Physics degree

Tools

Astronomical data analysis software

Job description

The CTAO is seeking a CTAO-North Site Telescope Operator for its northern array site in La Palma, Spain. The position will initially focus on the commissioning of the site’s Cherenkov telescopes during the first two years and then on operating the new instrumentation, telescopes, and ancillary calibration instruments. The Telescope Operator will collaborate closely with the LST Collaboration, a CTAO In-Kind Contribution (IKC) team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Startup, operate, and monitor the Large-Sized Telescopes (LSTs) and subsystems (with additional telescopes and systems to follow), computer system, and instruments, as needed during the night and daytime hours, to ensure optimal performance and data collection. Scientific calibration equipment shall be operated, as well, in the near future.
• Work closely with the LST Collaboration and CTAO staff to define the processes and procedures for night observations and reports at the end of the shift.
• Understand and document the techniques used to operate the LSTs.
• As other LSTs and Medium-Sized Telescopes (MSTs) are added to the CTAO-North array, understand their operation and participate in the development of the relevant operations documentation.
• Perform simple troubleshooting tasks, detecting and diagnosing any problems found, communicating with the technical team, and supporting the resolution.
• Develop familiarity with instrument configuration and setup to provide back-up for other support staff.
• Participate in outreach and educational activities to promote public engagement, astronomy and science, and the mission of the observatory.
• Strictly adhere to safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of personnel and equipment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• University degree in Engineering, Technical Physics, or other relevant fields, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in the operation of complex technical and/or scientific systems, ideally astronomical telescopes and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with Unix, Linux and common computing software and OS.
• Familiarity with astronomical data analysis software and techniques is desirable.
• Valid driver’s license, and the ability to drive manual transmission, AWD vehicles on mountain roads.
• Ability to work night shifts, during the weekends and holidays, as required.
• Strong systematic and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both solo and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, in English, while command of the Spanish language is an advantage.

Reporting to:

CTAO-North Station Manager

Workstation:

The CTAO-North site on the Island of La Palma, located in the Canary Islands, Spain. The Telescope operators will be required to work during night shifts, mainly at the Observatorio Roque de Los Roque de Los Muchachos or ORM (2,200m asl). Daily work will be performed at the ORM and, in some cases, it may also be carried out at the CTAO office situated at a lower altitude in La Palma. Occasional travels may be required.

Contract:

This position is open-term, full-time and is funded for the duration of the CTAO construction and operation project. Gross salary 45,000 to 55,000 EUR depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits of up to 600 EUR per year (Plan De Beneficios Sociales)

Deadline for applications: 22 November, 2026

For more information about the CTAO, visit www.ctao.org. For more information on the advertised position, please contact [e-mail]

Applications are accepted and evaluated without distinction on any grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, gender identity, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.