LCO Operations Engineer/Scientist (OES)

Operations Engineer / Scientist (OES) – 2026

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.

The Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) of the Carnegie Institution for Science Observatories – a world‑class astronomical institution – has an opening for an Operations Engineer / Scientist the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Carnegie astronomers and researchers representing a wide international consortium of institutions are engaged in SDSS‑V, an ambitious, 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 employ new state‑of‑the‑art, robotic, multi‑optical fiber positioners on the 2.5‑meter telescopes at both LCO and at the Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico to feed 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.

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 successful candidate will work with a team of scientists, programmers, engineers and technicians to maintain and support operation of the Carnegie telescopes and existing and forthcoming instrumentation and facilities associated with wide field, optical fiber‑fed, spectroscopic surveys. This position requires experience in operations support and troubleshooting for an astronomical observatory or similar scientific environment; knowledge of control systems and PLCs is desired. The role includes a shift of 8 days at the Observatory and 6 days off, with occasional domestic and international travel.

Requirements

• An advanced degree in astronomy, physics or engineering, or a closely related field.
• Exceptional engineering work experience may substitute for 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 altitude.

Application Process

• Submit electronic applications through the link: OES.2026.LCO . Applications must include the desired salary range.
• Only electronic applications are considered; no phone calls.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply by May 24, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Equal Opportunity

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.