Project Manager

As one of the organisational change management projects hosted within ESO's Integrated Operations Programme (IOP), the mission of the project manager is to ensure the successful planning, execution, and completion of IOP projects for ESO's next generation Observatory operations model. The project manager is responsible for aligning the IOP project with ESO's overall strategic goals and ensuring that the implemented system meets the requirements of the programme.

The IOP project manager is to lead the project through its lifecycle, ensuring that it delivers the expected business value, meets the requirements, and is completed within the defined scope, schedule, and budget constraints. The role demands a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of both business processes and organisational dynamics.

In direct collaboration with the Project Coordination Office (PCO) manager, the selected candidate will work with a team of programme engineers and operations experts on the development and execution of a multi-project plan to implement a process-based lean operations model for the entire operations structure of the VLT and ELT facilities. This role offers significant challenges, as you will collaborate with numerous stakeholders and gain valuable experience in a multicultural and global environment. You will be responsible for managing the full project lifecycle and have a one-time, unique opportunity to be involved in the development/definition of projects comprising the digital transformation of technical maintenance, astronomical observing, logistics and management processes as well as associated hardware and infrastructure construction projects.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop and lead projects for the successful implementation of the IOP organisational change to deliver business value and achieve the desired outcomes for the organisation.
• Lead a diverse project group and be responsible for handling the daily tasks of project management, including project management documentation, to ensure the smooth progress and successful completion of the project
• Collaborate with a diverse core team of IOP architects, engineers, scientists, and other operations experts to successfully lead the project and gain a deep understanding of the needs of the observatory
• To learn about astronomy and the unique technologies used in the observatory's telescopes and instruments
• Engage with cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in the field of observing techniques, and contribute to the advancement of telescope systems and maintenance processes
• Enjoy a supportive work environment that values both professional development and personal well-being
• Work in an international environment, on the ESO campus in Santiago with the option of mobile working within our correspondent framework, and frequently spending time in the unique environment of the world's most advanced Observatory for astronomy at visible and infrared wavelengths on Paranal in the Chilean Atacama desert.

Reports to:

Head of Project Coordination

Key Competences and Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in project development and project management within a scientific or industrial environment
• Strong organizational skills enabling a systematic work approach and effective time management
• Proven ability in project planning and controlled roll-out to achieve milestones on time, ensuring smooth progress and successful completion
• Critical and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to conduct scenario analyses and support fact-driven decision-making
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly to all stakeholders
• Experience in comprehensive reporting and result presentation of results
• Strong awareness of risk management, with a strategic and structured approach
• Ability to resolve conflicts and to manage change
• Capacity to acquire the necessary technical knowledge to fully understand the project scope
• Stress management skills, complemented by adaptability and self-control
• Proactive mindset, with the ability to identify and address challenges, take ownership of issues, and drive projects forward with minimal supervision
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct, aligned with ESO values

Additional Competences and Experience (Considered an Advantage)

• Background as a process engineer
• Experience in complex scientific environments
• Knowledge of systems engineering
• Formal certification in project management

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in engineering or applied physics (preferred)

Language skills:

• Very good command of English (oral, reading, and writing) is essential

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (tax free for ESO member states), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family.

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 may be a possibility of maximum one extension subject to individual performance and organisational requirements of the project and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment. 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:

The duty station will be on the ESO premises in Vitacura, Santiago de Chile. The post requires regular visits at the Paranal Observatory, located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile. The work schedule in the Vitacura office describes a 40 work hours week in the regular 5/2 mode. Work missions to the Observatory site can extend up to 8 days, followed by 6 days of rest, spending up to 30% of time on- site.

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.Within your CV, please provide 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.

Deadline for applications is 12 June 2026.

Interviews are conducted in english and 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.