Vibrations Specialist

The Paranal Systems Engineering group is responsible for all Systems Engineering aspects of the Paranal Observatory, including steering and control of observatory projects, system performance management, interface management, and representing Paranal at external projects reviews.

The Paranal Systems Engineering group is comprised of six Systems Engineers and two Systems Scientists. The successful applicant will work in the framework of the system performance management on the problematic of the mitigation of the vibrations that impact the Very Large Telescope Interferometer.

The VLT Interferometer optical train is made of more than 20 mirrors propagating stellar light over more than 100 m. To achieve the scientific goals, the optical path length must be stabilized to within a few tens of nm rms. This is challenging for a constantly evolving infrastructure that was not build solely for interferometry and that contains many sources of vibrations such as pumps, compressors, fans, motors... Mitigating the effect of vibrations is key to the success of the VLTI scientific exploitation and relies on:

• Minimizing the effect of the vibrations sources by reducing the amplitude of the sources, damping their transmission to the infrastructure and in particular to the mirrors of the interferometer.
• Actively correcting for the vibrations using a network of accelerometers and fast actuators.
• Being able to detect changes in the vibration signatures of the telescopes and troubleshoot the issue quickly.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will have the following responsibilities:

• Analyze the current performance and limitations of the implemented systems using existing data. Derive an error budget for the whole system.
• Consult the industry via the use of a Request for Information to propose upgrades to reduce the effect of vibrations by removing sources, replacing them with quieter technologies, improving their damping and/or improving the mirror mounts.

Support activities:

• Duties might include night-time work during scientific operations.

Reports to:

Paranal System Engineering Group Leader

Experience:

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of professional experience in the field of vibrations, both in theory and applications like implementation of mitigation solutions, analysis and monitoring. Experience with opto-mechanical systems or telescopes would be an asset.

Key Competences:

• Deep understanding of the generation, transmission and damping of mechanical vibrations
• Capacity to communicate efficiently with private companies (write Request for Information and Statement of Work)
• Data analysis
• Effective planning and monitoring of progress to deliver on time and to standards
• Ability to understand the 'big picture' and the details of complex systems, their interfaces, and their performances.
• Hands-on experience, in particular for opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-national and multi-cultural environment, promoting the sharing of ideas and opinions, respecting and accepting eventual differences.
• Good self-organization.

Qualifications:

Masters in mechanical engineering or physics and demonstrated specialization in vibrations.

Language Skills:

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.

The contract is a Paid Associate for a period of one year. The initial contract is for a fixed term duration of one year with the possibility of a fixed-term extension subject to individual performance and organisational requirements and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/paidassoc/.

Duty Station:

Paranal Observatory, located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile. The nominal working schedule will be 8 days on duty and 6 days off duty (8x6) with accommodation provided on site during the shifts.

Career Path: V

Application:

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.

Applicants are invited to apply online via our recruitment portal http://recruitment.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and your CV.

Closing date for applications is 17 February 2026.

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.

Diversity

ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.

Nationality

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.