Operations Engineer/Scientist

Las Campanas Observatory (LCO), Chile. This is a full-time position based at LCO, Chile. The Carnegie Observatories, a department of the Carnegie Institution for Science and a non-profit, world-class astronomical institution with offices in Pasadena, California, is seeking an Operations Engineer/Scientist to work at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Carnegie astronomers and researchers, representing a wide international consortium, are engaged in SDSS-V, a multi-year, integrated visible and near-infrared spectroscopic survey including the Milky Way Mapper (MWM), Black Hole Mapper (BHM), and Local Volume Mapper (LVM) projects. The MWM and BHM surveys utilize state-of-the-art, robotic, multi-optical fiber positioners on the 2.5-meter telescopes at LCO and Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico, feeding the APOGEE and BOSS spectrographs. The Operations Engineer/Scientist will join our staff at LCO to support operations at the duPont 2.5m and Swope 1m telescopes, support hosted partner facilities, and participate in these exciting, world-class, wide-field survey programs. LCO offices and administrative headquarters are located in La Serena, while the observatory facilities are situated 160 km north of La Serena at the southern end of the Atacama desert in the Andes mountains. The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists, programmers, engineers, and technicians to maintain and support the operation of Carnegie telescopes, instrumentation, and facilities associated with wide-field, optical fiber-fed, spectroscopic surveys. The work will follow a shift schedule of eight days on and six days off, with a weekly on-site schedule from Monday to Friday. International travel may be required. Minimum Requirements:

Advanced degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering. Experience in observatory operations support and troubleshooting. Computing skills in Mac OSX/Linux environments, including Python, C, or similar programming languages. Knowledge of control systems and PLCs is desirable. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, including technical documentation. Spanish language skills are an asset. Organizational skills, quick learner, and proactive attitude. Valid driver’s license. Previous experience in observatory operations or astronomical instrumentation is preferred, including optical fiber maintenance, spectrographs, and survey observing techniques. Application Process: Step 1:

Download and complete the Form 1 from the provided link. Complete the full job description as outlined in this advertisement. No phone inquiries, please. Email inquiries to: dosip@carnegiescience.edu. Submit applications electronically to: postulaciones@lco.cl, including your desired salary range. Application review begins on May 25, 2025, but the position remains open until filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Carnegie Science is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. The job complies with Ley N° 21.015 (Chile), promoting inclusion of people with disabilities.

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