Systems Engineer

Experience:

• Understanding of the concepts of Systems Engineering.
• Depending on the selected project, experience in python programming, configuration management, data science, requirements management, verification management, machine learning / LLM's, Adaptive Optics.
• Experience in international or interdisciplinary teams.

Key Competences:

• Curiosity and an interest in astronomical instrumentation or large-scale scientific facilities.
• Sense of ownership and accountability, with the initiative to independently drive projects to successful completion.
• Ability to work both autonomously and constructively within a team, able to prioritise and manage your own work delivering high-quality work towards project deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Qualifications:

A master's degree in engineering, physics or Applied Sciences or a PhD, graduated in or after 2024.

Language Skills :

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

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Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.

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 one fixed-term extension subject to individual performance and organisational requirements and as d efined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/paidassoc/ .

Our Salary and career structure:

ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our roles. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience and performance. Please follow this 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.

Weitere Informationen

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich. The role is based on-site at ESO and relocation to the duty station area is required. Staff at ESO benefit from a mobile working policy that allows for limited hybrid working for work-life balance purposes. Occasional travel to scientific institutes and companies within Europe an d to the observatories in Chile will be necessary.

Career Path: III

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 at ESO Systems Engineer . Applications must be completed in English and should include:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Motivation letter, also mentioning the project, which you would like to work on, and how you would like contribute to this particular project.
• Summary of your master's thesis project, indicating the title and the supervisor (maximum one page).
• 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 7 November 2026.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

European Southern Observatory (ESO)

Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 2

85748 Garching

https://www.eso.org/public/

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Posted Oct 15, 2026

Posted Oct 10, 2026

Source: Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis), table; dl-de/by-2-0; StarIn's calculation