Head of Science Operation Software Department

The Science Operation Software Department provides software engineering expertise to all ESO projects within the ESO matrix organization, in the areas of end-to-end dataflow science operations software for ESO observatories, LaSilla-Paranal, ALMA, and E-ELT. In addition, the department provides support to operational applications used by ESO operation teams, with application support encompassing troubleshooting, deployment, and monitoring of science operation software. The successful candidate will dedicate approximately 50% of their time to leading a team of around 32 software engineers and ca 18 subcontractors across three groups, the Dataflow Infrastructure group, the Pipeline Systems group, and the Software Engineering and Quality group, while also contributing to own technical developments to one or more ESO projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide line management and technical leadership, in collaboration with the three group heads, to a team of approximately 32 software engineers, mostly with computing science, physics, and astronomy background.
• Develop and implement a departmental strategy that aligns with the overarching DoE strategy and supports the objectives of ESO projects, identifying opportunities, challenges and action plans for its implementation.
• Ensure that the competencies and expertise required to deliver ESO projects within the department's engineering domain are available, developed, and maintained.
• Ensure that the department's outputs meet the required quality standards and are delivered on time and within budget.
• Lead the department's resource allocation process, in consultation with project managers, ensuring a balanced distribution of workload and optimal utilisation of resources and expertise.
• Oversee the performance and development processes within the department, taking individual professional development needs into account during objective setting, and providing staff with appropriate guidance and training.
• Manage the departmental budget effectively and in line with ESO guidelines.
• Define and prioritise relevant internal R&D activities within the department, in alignment with available DoE resources and constraints, for instance regarding AI-assisted software development.
• Promote and actively push the adoption of tools, technologies, standards, and processes that support efficient, cost-effective, and innovative software development and software engineering solutions for ESO projects.
• Foster innovation by monitoring technology development and encouraging staff to experiment with new approaches and ideas, ensuring staff members remain up to date with best practices and benchmarks
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the long-term strategy of the Directorate of Engineering.
• Provide expert advice to the Director of Engineering in areas related to the department's field of expertise.

Reports to:

Director of Engineering

Key competences and Experience:

The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of professional experience in the field of scientific computing, along with proven experience in line and/or functional team management.

Applicants for this position should meet the following criteria:

• A demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve organisational goals, while fostering a positive and collaborative working environment aligned with ESO's values.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders.
• A strategic mindset, with the capacity to take a long-term perspective and anticipate future developments and trends.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain effective working relationships with team members and stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Proven ability to manage and resolve conflicts constructively and effectively.
• A solution-oriented and proactive approach, with a track record of identifying and implementing innovative solutions and technologies.
• The ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in both project and operational contexts.
• Experience in developing Software for ground-based Observatories is desired.

Qualifications:

A university degree at Master's level in Software, Computing, Physics or a related engineering discipline.

Language Skills:

The position requires a very good command of English (oral and written).

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 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. The role of Head of the Optical Engineering Department is in Career Path VI. 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.

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 extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements. 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 travel to the ESO Vitacura Offices in Santiago and to the observatory 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.

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 19 September 2026.

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.