The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.

ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA and APEX), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which has just reached the 60% completion level and will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky" and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.

Due to the need for additional resources associated with the ELT programme, for its Control Software and Engineering Department (CSE), within the Directorate of Engineering (DoE) at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of a

Software Engineer (Instrument Control)

Garching

Deadline 23/08/2026

We are looking for one or two software engineers to join the team which is implementing control software for the ELT and its instruments. The CSE department comprises a team of almost 50 engineers organized in 5 groups and is responsible for the definition, design and implementation of complex control systems for ESO's telescopes and instruments. Then main task is to develop and maintain instrument control software (frameworks) supporting the Instrumentation Programme, as well as following the construction of instruments in state-of-the-art research facilities for ESO's observatories in Chile by national and international institutions (Consortiums).

Key Competencies

You have worked at least 3 years in software development with C++ and/or Python under Linux, ideally implementing hardware control in distributed control systems. You are familiar with modern software development environments and a modern tool chain. You will be member of the team implementing software for instrument control including hardware control for scientific infrared and optical detectors systems and motorized functions, along with highlevel coordination software and graphical interfaces. You will collaborate closely with various ESO project teams in an international and multi-cultural environment, with a particular focus on the ESO instrumentation programme. Your responsibilities will include designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing control systems for projects within this programme. Additionally, you may follow one or more industry contracts or instrument projects, providing technical support, participating in reviews, verifying code quality, conducting tests, and contributing to acceptance testing and on-site commissioning.

Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with multidisciplinary teams and external project partners, are essential.

Desirable Competencies and Experience

Ideally, you are familiar with design and implementation of scientific detector software or have experience with instrument development for astronomy projects. If you hold a degree in Electronic Engineering or a related field, you are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have experience with electronics and control software, together with an understanding of scientific instrumentation and the operating principles of optical and scientific detectors.

Reports to:

The head of the Instrument Control Software group (CINS).

Qualifications:

University degree in computer science or equivalent.

Language Skills:

Excellent command of the English language is essential; a working knowledge of German or Spanish would be an advantage.

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.

Our Salary Structure

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

Please follow this attached 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.

The contract is for a fixed term duration of three years, and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. There is a possibility of extension(s) 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 ESO's conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/). Please note that the contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are currently under review which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich, Germany with regular duty trips to all ESO sites in Chile.

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.

Career Path: V

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.

Deadline for applications is 23.08.2026.

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.

Contact us

Email vacancy@eso.org

ESO