Engineer at ALOMAR Observatory

Arbeidsplassen; Andenes; On-site; NOK 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Andøya Space is looking for a Director Ground-Based Instrumentation to manage advanced optical remote sensing operations. The successful candidate will maintain instruments and support researchers while engaging in educational activities. Mastery in programming and scientific analysis is essential, alongside a commitment to teamwork in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Support for relocation costs

Pension and insurance arrangements

Qualifications

• Master level knowledge in physics or engineering required.
• Good programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
• Ability to conduct scientific data analysis and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain LiDAR, radar, and remote sensing instruments.
• Provide technical support and conduct research dissemination activities.
• Participate in relevant projects in the Sub-Orbital division.

Skills

Programming skills in MATLAB

Programming skills in Python

Scientific communication skills

Education

Master's degree in physics, atmospheric physics, or engineering

Job description

ALOMAR is an advanced laboratory, specialized in passive and active optical remote sensing of all layers in the Arctic atmosphere, in particular LiDAR observations. ALOMAR hosts two RMR LiDAR systems, 3 atmospheric research radar systems and several other instruments owned by institutions from different countries. This enables researchers to explore all layers of the Arctic atmosphere from ALOMAR’s vantage point on top of the 378m heigh Ramnan mountain at Andøya.

The successful applicant will join the Ground-Based Instrumentation department which is part of the Andøya Space Sub-Orbital division. The workplace is located at the ALOMAR Observatory, and the position requires rotary work according to duty schedule. Work hours are typically during ordinary workdays between 08:00 – 16:00h and 15:00 – 01:00h. During campaign periods and in the summer months, other work hours may be applicable, including night shifts and weekend shifts.

Working tasks / Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain LiDAR, radar, and other remote sensing instruments at ALOMAR (rotary work according to duty schedule).
• Provide technical support for visiting researchers and internal teams.
• Actively participate in dissemination activities about the research supported by the Ground-Based Instrumentation department, where this is natural in relation to the position and areas of responsibility, e.g., lectures for students, workshops, conferences, etc.
• Conduct popular science tours for visitors and students at the ALOMAR observatory.
• Participate in relevant projects in the Sub-Orbital division and the Andøya Space group in general.
• Carry out the release of meteorological balloons in connection with student courses hold by the Andøya Space Education division (training will be provided).
• Contribute to the preparation of research and infrastructure applications to Norwegian Research Council, ESA, EU and others.

Qualifications

• Master level knowledge in physics, atmospheric physics, engineering or equivalent
• Willingness to perform rotary work according to duty schedule, including night and weekend shifts.
• Good programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
• The ability to independently carry out a scientific data analysis, including scientific report writing, using data collected by:
  
  • LiDAR and scientific RADAR remote sensing
    
  • in-situ measurements
    
  • Earth Observation satellites
    
• The ability to communicate about scientific issues as well as scientific analyses and conclusions to students, specialists, and the general public.
  
• The applicant must be able to drive a car up and down the steep gravel road leading to the ALOMAR observatory, both in summer and winter time.
  
• ALOMAR’s location on a mountain top might in some exceptions require to walk up or down, due to poor weather conditions. The 45 min walk should rather be a pleasure for you than a burden.
  
• The applicant must be eligible to obtain a Norwegian security clearance.
  

Desirable Competences and Experience:

• Knowledge of maintenance and operation of LiDAR and/or scientific RADAR systems
  
• Knowledge in the field of Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST), including calculation of satellite orbital parameters.
  
• Knowledge about preparation of research and infrastructure applications to Norwegian Research Council, ESA, EU, and others.
  
• Knowledge of other programming languages than MATLAB and Python is an advantage.
  

Language skills:
The applicant must be able to express himself well in English, both orally and in writing. Applicants who do not speak Norwegian must have the willingness to acquire basic Norwegian language skills.

We are looking for a colleague with dedication and expertise who can identify himself with the company values:

Collaborative, Innovative and Uncompromising

• We work closely together with our customers and partners. We believe collaboration is the key to achieving mission success.
  
• Doing the impossible excites us, and we turn every stone to bring a project to completion. The answer to a challenge might not be the obvious one and we want to foster an environment where ideas and suggestions can flourish.
  
• In aerospace one often only gets one chance. The key to success is quality and safety. We are flexible in all areas except those two.
  

The applicant must have the ability to work in a multi-cultural team as well as independently.

We offer

Andøya Space is a stimulating international working environment, within an active local community, on an island providing many opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Salary is by agreement, with pension and insurance arrangements. Andøya Space supports flexible working hours, we assist newcomers find housing and we may provide support for relocation costs. The position is subject to a standard six-month probationary period.

ALOMAR is an advanced laboratory, specialized in passive and active optical remote sensing of all layers in the Arctic atmosphere, in particular LiDAR observations. ALOMAR hosts two RMR LiDAR systems, 3 atmospheric research radar systems and several other instruments owned by institutions from different countries. This enables researchers to explore all layers of the Arctic atmosphere from ALOMAR’s vantage point on top of the 378m heigh Ramnan mountain at Andøya.

The successful applicant will join the Ground-Based Instrumentation department which is part of the Andøya Space Sub-Orbital division. The workplace is located at the ALOMAR Observatory, and the position requires rotary work according to duty schedule. Work hours are typically during ordinary workdays between 08:00 – 16:00h and 15:00 – 01:00h. During campaign periods and in the summer months, other work hours may be applicable, including night shifts and weekend shifts.

Working tasks / Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain LiDAR, radar, and other remote sensing instruments at ALOMAR (rotary work according to duty schedule).
• Provide technical support for visiting researchers and internal teams.
• Actively participate in dissemination activities about the research supported by the Ground-Based Instrumentation department, where this is natural in relation to the position and areas of responsibility, e.g., lectures for students, workshops, conferences, etc.
• Conduct popular science tours for visitors and students at the ALOMAR observatory.
• Participate in relevant projects in the Sub-Orbital division and the Andøya Space group in general.
• Carry out the release of meteorological balloons in connection with student courses hold by the Andøya Space Education division (training will be provided).
• Contribute to the preparation of research and infrastructure applications to Norwegian Research Council, ESA, EU and others.

Qualifications

• Master level knowledge in physics, atmospheric physics, engineering or equivalent
• Willingness to perform rotary work according to duty schedule, including night and weekend shifts.
• Good programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
• The ability to independently carry out a scientific data analysis, including scientific report writing, using data collected by:
  
  • LiDAR and scientific RADAR remote sensing
    
  • in-situ measurements
    
  • Earth Observation satellites
    

• The ability to communicate about scientific issues as well as scientific analyses and conclusions to students, specialists, and the general public.
  
• A valid Norwegian / EU driving license, class B
  
• The applicant must be able to drive a car up and down the steep gravel road leading to the ALOMAR observatory, both in summer and winter time.
  
• ALOMAR’s location on a mountain top might in some exceptions require to walk up or down, due to poor weather conditions. The 45 min walk should rather be a pleasure for you than a burden.
  
• The applicant must be eligible to obtain a Norwegian security clearance.
  

Desirable Competences and Experience:

• Knowledge of maintenance and operation of LiDAR and/or scientific RADAR systems
  
• Knowledge in the field of Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST), including calculation of satellite orbital parameters.
  
• Knowledge about preparation of research and infrastructure applications to Norwegian Research Council, ESA, EU, and others.
  
• Knowledge of other programming languages than MATLAB and Python is an advantage.
  

Language skills:
The applicant must be able to express himself well in English, both orally and in writing. Applicants who do not speak Norwegian must have the willingness to acquire basic Norwegian language skills.

Personal qualities

We are looking for a colleague with dedication and expertise who can identify himself with the company values:

Collaborative, Innovative and Uncompromising

• We work closely together with our customers and partners. We believe collaboration is the key to achieving mission success.
  
• Doing the impossible excites us, and we turn every stone to bring a project to completion. The answer to a challenge might not be the obvious one and we want to foster an environment where ideas and suggestions can flourish.
  
• In aerospace one often only gets one chance. The key to success is quality and safety. We are flexible in all areas except those two.
  

The applicant must have the ability to work in a multi-cultural team as well as independently.

We offer

Andøya Space is a stimulating international working environment, within an active local community, on an island providing many opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Salary is by agreement, with pension and insurance arrangements. Andøya Space supports flexible working hours, we assist newcomers find housing and we may provide support for relocation costs. The position is subject to a standard six-month probationary period.

Kontaktinformasjon

Martin Flügge,Director Ground-Based Instrumentation,[phone]

Arbeidssted

Bleiksveien 46
8480ANDENES

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Andøya Space

Referansenr.: 4989669697
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Fast
Søknadsfrist: 03.08.2025

Director Ground-Based Instrumentation

[phone]

Om bedriften

Andøya Space is a Norwegian aerospace company. We enable scientists to explore Earth’s atmosphere with sounding rockets, balloons, unmanned aircraft and advanced ground-based instrumentation. We enable engineers to test new aerospace and defense related technology. We educate and inspire the next generation scientists and engineers. We are now working to establish Norway’s - and Europe’s - launch facility for small satellites.