The CTAO Central Organisation is seeking a
Site Instrument Engineer
for its northern array site, CTAO-North, located on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. As an integral member of the on-site engineering team, the Site Instrument Engineer will work with systems engineering and site stakeholders to support the commissioning and operation of the Observatory's instrumentation.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the verification and correct implementation of system requirements of the CTAO scientific instrumentation
- Participate as part of the on-site AIV team in integration activities
- Collaborate as part of the CTAO team closely with in-kind contributors' scientists, engineers, and technicians
- Develop testing procedures to calibrate and optimize instrument performance
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during the AIV, commissioning, and operation phases
- Use the CTAO CMMS to define and report maintenance activities and plans
- Define and maintain the required system level spare parts to assure uninterrupted operation of the Observatory using the CTAO CMMS
- Document instrument maintenance procedures and performance metrics
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of instrument performance and processes
- Support the operation of the Observatory by maintaining the software and hardware of the scientific instrumentation
Experience and skills:
- University degree in engineering, technical physics, or other relevant fields
- A mandatory minimum of three years of proven experience in scientific instrument development, operation or installation, preferably in astronomical instrumentation
- Proven experience with scientific software, with a strong ability to understand, debug, and test software
- Familiarity with electronic systems and their embedded software
- Familiarity with Linux and common computing software and operating systems
- Experience in astronomical instrumentation and their operation is an asset
- Familiarity with astronomical data analysis software and techniques
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
- Knowledge of Spanish is a strong asset
Who you'll be reporting to: Construction Lead Engineer
Your duty station:
The position will be located at the CTAO-North site on the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, Spain. The Site Instrument Engineer will work, as needed, at the Observatorio de Los Roque de Los Muchachos (2200m asl) or at the CTAO sea level office in La Palma, requiring a valid driver's license. Night work may be required as well as work at heights on the telescopes, including climbing the telescope structures, using a cherry picker, etc. Occasional travels to the CTAO headquarters in Bologna, Italy, or to the locations of in-kind contribution teams may be required.
What we offer:
This position is open-term, full-time and is funded for the duration of the CTAO construction and operation project. Contractual details and salary are subject to negotiation.
Please apply on BambooHR:
Deadline for applications:
October 5, 2025
For more information about the CTAO, visit For more information on the advertised position, please contact ctao--
Applications are accepted and evaluated without distinction on any grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, gender identity, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.
📌 Site Instrument Engineer
🏢 CTAO
📍 Santa Brígida