Software Engineer (Instrument Control)

The European Southern Observatory

• Garching, BY, Germany €5,000 - €10,000 per month

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.

Apply July 31, 2026