The MSE Department of the Paranal Observatory provides technical support to the four VLT 8-m telescopes, to the VLT Interferometer with its auxiliary telescopes and to all instruments available for scientific observations. The telescopes and instruments are complex systems that involve many advanced technologies and require a high level of engineering support. The MSE Department of Paranal has a total workforce of 80 engineers and technicians distributed in 6 engineering groups.

The following are the three projects proposed for the Winter period 2024. They can start anytime between June and September 2024 and can last between three and six months depending on the topic and availability of the student. Please enquire if you are not sure.

I. “Mirror Integration Tool Upgrade”

The Mirror Integration Tool is a machine used during the recoating process of the Primary mirror of a VLT Unit Telescope. It is original from the beginning of Paranal and suffers from faulty behavior. We intend to upgrade its hardware and control system. The MIT functions only as a simple manual command system for a hydraulic lifting device, with basic data visualization. Its main functions are as follows:

• Track M1 position relative to the M1 Cell at all times until the M1 is placed on the Mirror Handling Tool (MHT). This is done through six Mechanical Position Encoder (MPE) located on the underside of the M1Cell’s top beams.
• Allow control of the three hydraulic circuits of the M1 Cell’s Lower Safety Supports either individually or together.
• Interface with M1Cell and MHT for data transfer.

Objectives:

• Produce an alternative implementation and geometric processing for measuring the position of the M1 with respect to the M1 Cell and Mirror Handling Tool. The measurement must have an accuracy of 0.1mm in a range of 0-500[mm].
• Analize and propose improvements to the hydraulic circuit of the MIT, as well as its control system that would allow for a safer and improved operation.

Student Profile:

Mechanical Engineering with background in mechatronics or control systems.

Duration and Shift:

Six (6) months. The schedule will be 8 days on-site followed by 6 days off-duty (8×6).

Duty Station:

Paranal Observatory located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile.

II. “Supporting the Astronomical Instrumentation at the Paranal Observatory”

The Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal is a flagship facility worldwide ground-based astronomy. It is one of the world’s most advanced optical telescopes, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter and four movable 1.8m diameter Auxiliary Telescopes. These telescopes cater a total of 15 instruments, all of them targeting cutting edge science cases. Keeping the instruments running at their best performance is a critical task. The student shall be integrated in instrumentation team of the Paranal observatory and shall contribute to diverse developments impacting the operational performance of several instruments such as: (1) improving the calibration process by developing a system that allows the extension of the lifetime of calibration lamps and the acceleration of the necessary flux adjustments, and (2) adding a new control that improves the thermal stability of the KMOS instrument (K-band Multi Object Spectrograph) – one of the VLT workhorse instruments. This is an opportunity to learn and contribute to the operations of astronomical instrumentation in a unique environment, developing skills in the field of electronics, remote control/data acquisition, data analysis and cryogenics.

Objectives:

Improving the operational performance of critical astronomical instruments at the Paranal observatory.

Student Profile:

• Engineer;
• Electronics and Software (experience with Raspberry Pi, Linux);
• Data gathering and analysis, modelling and simulation.

Duration and Shift:

Six (6) months. The schedule will be 8 days on-site followed by 6 days off-duty (8×6).

Duty Station:

Paranal Observatory located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile.

III. Python for instrument templates programming

We are seeking a motivated software engineering intern to contribute to a key initiative at our observatory: the development of Python scripts for sequencing the operational steps needed to control the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and its instruments during astronomical observations and calibrations. This internship offers hands-on experience in crafting and refining code that will enhance the functionality and efficiency of our telescope operations. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a collaborative project focused on creating Python scripts and libraries, as well as documenting best practices for their development. Your contributions will play a vital role in supporting the VLT’s mission to capture and deliver high-quality astronomical data. If you possess a robust foundation in Python and a passion for problem-solving within a scientific framework, we encourage you to apply and add your expertise to our distinguished team.

Objectives:

• Documentation and Testing: Develop and validate a set of best practices for using Python in creating scripts to sequence the operational steps for Paranal instruments, ensuring that these practices focus on ease of maintenance and robustness.
• Script Development: Craft a precise selection of Python scripts that sequence operational steps, demonstrating the practical application of established best practices and serving as a benchmark for future script creation.
• Knowledge Transfer: Lead informative training sessions for the Paranal Software group to mentor and guide them in developing Python scripts for operational sequencing, enabling a smooth transition and encouraging skill enhancement across the team.
• Innovation and Efficiency: Evaluate the integration of modern AI tools, like Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs), and advanced Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) to streamline and improve the scripting and development process.

Student Profile:

We are looking for a software engineering student (or equivalent) with proficient knowledge of the Python programming language. The ideal candidate should possess a good command of the English language and have some experience with AI-assisted code writing or programming.

Duration and Shift:

Six (6) months. The schedule will be 8 days on-site followed by 6 days off-duty (8×6).

Duty Station:

Paranal Observatory located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile.

We Offer:

ESO offers a special allowance during the period you are performing your apprenticeship with us. For students travelling to the observatory, transportation arrangements (plane tickets) from and to Santiago will be provided by ESO, with accommodation provided on site.

Application:

We invite all students from European and Chilean Universities in their career’s last period to apply. The apprenticeship should be supported by the University (Letter should be provided). If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, you are invited to apply online at http://recruitment.eso.org/.

Applications must be completed in English and should include a CV and a motivational letter indicating the project(s) you are interested in applying to.

For further information on Paranal Engineering apprenticeships, we invite you to take a look at the following page: http://www.eso.org/sci/facilities/paranal/paranalenginternship.html

Closing date for applications is 3 May 2024.

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 based on 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.