The Carnegie Science Las Campanas Observatory (LCO), located in Chile’s Atacama Desert, is one of the world’s premier astronomical observing sites, renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, stable atmosphere, and outstanding seeing. LCO enables cutting-edge research across a wide range of astrophysical fields using a suite of powerful, state-of-the-art telescopes, including the twin Magellan Telescopes (operated for a consortium of institutions including Carnegie, Harvard, MIT, U. of Arizona, and U. of Michigan), the du Pont telescope and the Local Volume Mapper Instrument (LVM-I), which currently conduct the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V (SDSS-V), and suite of other hosted facilities operated by different world-class universities and institutions around the world. LCO is also home to the Giant Magellan Telescope Observatory (GMTO), which is currently under construction.
The observatory combines scientific excellence with a collaborative, international research environment, offering its staff the rare opportunity to work at the forefront of discovery while living and working in a place of remarkable natural beauty. With a strong commitment to innovation, safety, and professional growth, Las Campanas Observatory is an inspiring setting for those passionate about advancing astronomy and supporting world-class science.
Websites: https://www.lco.cl; http://obs.carnegiescience.edu and http://carnegiescience.edu
Open Vacancy: Mechanical Engineering Specialist 2026 (MES)
The Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) of the Carnegie Institution for Science Observatories - a world-class astronomical institution - has an opening for an engineering specialist to work on the du Pont 2.5 m and the Swope 1 m telescopes. The successful candidate will work with an international team supporting the telescope/instrument operations and astronomical programs.
The position is full-time, 7 nights in residence at the observatory and 7 nights off. The position on offer is a one year fixed term, with the possibility of annual renewal. The anticipated start date for this position is 09 Jun, 2026.
LCO offices and administrative headquarters are located in the city of La Serena, while the observatory facilities are located in the Andes mountains 160 km north of La Serena at an altitude of 2300 meters. Transportation from La Serena to LCO and back, as well as meals, and lodging at the beautiful LCO mountain lodge, as provided by the observatory.
Job Description
The engineering specialist will primarily support servicing and maintenance of the telescopes and their mechanical infrastructure. The successful candidate will have an active role in the troubleshooting and repair of failures, as well as observatory upgrades. Assistance in coating and washing of telescope mirrors and carrying out telescope tests is also expected.
As part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the duPont telescope operations is operating a full survey mode. The focal plane will be equipped with new state-of-the-art, robotic, multi-optical fiber positioners with fibers feeding the BOSS optical spectrograph and the APOGEE2-S infrared spectrograph. The successful candidate is expected to participate in the commissioning of the new instruments and integration into telescope operations in order to maintain continuous operations.
This position requires experience in troubleshooting, operation, and/or design of a range of mechanical equipment and instrumentation (including servo-control, opto-mechanical, pneumatic and HVAC systems). Experience in operating machine tools is also desirable. The work responsibilities also require a shift of 8 days at the Observatory and 6 days off. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required. This is a full-time position based at LCO, Chile.
Requirements:
-An advanced degree in engineering or a closely related field.
-Exceptional work experience may substitute for degree requirements.
-Engineering experience working with large ground- or space-based optics may be substituted for some degree requirements
Skills/Abilities:
-Fluency in written and spoken English & Spanish.
-Ability to communicate and cooperate in a team environment and to speak and write effectively, including technical reports and protocol documents.
-Computer expertise in Linux/UNIX environments, shells, and command line interfaces
-Valid driver's license (Class “B”).
-Ability to work at 2,300 m
Application Process:
-The application process are at the following link: MES.2026.LCO
-Only electronic applications submitted through that link - necessarily include the desired salary range - will be considered.
-Complete job description is contained in this advertisement – no phone calls please. Any questions or queries regarding the position, please do so through the BUK link already indicated.
-Applicants are encouraged to apply by May 24 2026, when application review will begin. However, the position will remain open until filled. Only select candidates who meet our requirements will be contacted.
Carnegie Science is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
This job offer considers Ley N° 21.015 (Chile) which encourages the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace.