AIV Technician

As part of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) development, the activities for the Assembly, Integration and Verification phase (AIV) involve the installation, integration and verification of the telescope's systems and components. These activities require close coordination between engineering teams, technical specialists and support services working at Cerro Armazones and Paranal Observatory.

The selected candidate will be part of the AIV On Site Engineering Department (OED), which provides the main engineering workforce that will integrate the ELT including: installation and alignment of the mirrors and optical sensing subsystems; deployment of supporting infrastructure; control system installation and commissioning; telescope commissioning. The AIV technician will provide hands‑on technical and logistical support for the preparation and execution of these activities on‑site.

The successful candidate will help ensure that work areas, equipment, tools and infrastructure are ready for technical operations, while providing practical support to project teams during installation and integration activities. This includes preparing the working areas, checking the availability of equipment and infrastructure, organizing tools and consumables, supporting small procurements, checking the readiness of the facilities and providing local technical support to the teams arriving from Europe. Local support is also needed during the activities to solve practical issues and coordinate with the different technical teams on site.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Preparation of work areas prior to AIV activities.
• Mechanical and electrical support for installation and integration activities.
• Coordination of local logistical preparations with site services and other ESO departments and project teams.
• Support for minor procurements, material reception and organization of tools and consumables.
• Verification of infrastructure readiness before the arrival of project teams.
• Day-to-day technical support for visiting project teams during mobilization and demobilization.

Reports to:

Head of the On-Site Engineering Department.

Key Competences and Experience:

• At least three years of practical experience in mechanical, electrical or electromechanical installation or maintenance in an industrial or technical environment.
• Practical knowledge of mechanical/electrical systems, tools and equipment used for assembly and installation activities.
• Ability to read basic technical drawings, installation instructions and technical documentation.
• Experience in preparing work areas and organising tools, equipment and materials for technical activities.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements in environments.
• Ability to work independently, solve practical problems and cooperate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to support small procurements, including preparing purchase requests, obtaining quotations and following up on orders and deliveries.

Desirable Competences and Experience:

• Experience with lifting and handling equipment, such as forklifts or manlifts.

Qualifications:

Essential educational level:

A professional qualification in Engineering Technology or Applied Engineering (Ingeniería en ejecución) in Mechanical, Electrical, Electromechanical, Industrial or a related technical field, or an equivalent technical or engineering qualification from a recognised higher education institution.

Qualifications which would be an asset:

• Certification for operation of forklifts or other lifting and handling equipment.
• Training in occupational health and safety for industrial installations.

Language skills:

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

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and educational benefits, as well as financial help in relocating the candidate's family, where applicable. ESO aims to support its members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions/brochure-lsm-updated.pdf) between their professional and private life.

This is a project related position offered on an initial two-year fixed term contract, subject to medical clearance and successful completion of the probation period. The contract may be extended depending on performance and the duration of the AIV phase of the ELT project. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

For further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions