Summary: Seeking an AIV and Operations Engineer to work on the CTAO-North site, initially focusing on the integration and commissioning of Large-Sized Telescopes and later on maintenance operations. Highlights: 1. Work on cutting-edge gamma-ray astronomy observatory development. 2. Contribute to the construction and operation of the world's largest observatory. 3. Engage in AIV and maintenance of complex telescope systems. * DEPARTMENT Engineering, Operations * CONTRACT TYPE Open\-Term * LOCATION La Palma, Spain The CTAO (Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory) will be the world’s largest and most powerful ground\-based observatory for gamma\-ray astronomy at very\-high energies. The Observatory has recently moved into its most exciting phase of development: the construction phase. Teams around the world are working together to make the CTAO reality. And with sites and staff located in Italy, Germany, Spain and Chile, the CTAO Central Organisation, which manages the construction and operation of the Observatory, is at the very centre of these activities. To strengthen its project team in La Palma (Spain), the CTAO is seeking an **AIV and Operations Engineer** to work on the CTAO\-North site, initially on the AIV (Assembly, Integration, and Verification) and commissioning of the site’s Large\-Sized Telescopes (LST) during the first two years and then to work on the planning and execution of the maintenance operations of the Observatory’s telescopes. The AIV team is responsible for the final integration work on the telescopes to prepare them technically for the formal acceptance process. The AIV and Operations Engineer will work closely with the CTAO LST Collaboration and the Central Organisation’s telescope team. **Key Responsibilities:** * Actively work on integration and verification of the LST telescopes and their subsystems. * Coordinate the AIV activities of the LST telescopes and work closely with the LST Collaboration and CTAO staff in defining the tasks required to move the telescopes towards provisional acceptance by the CTAO. * Prepare the required documentation (protocols, checklists, etc.) for the acceptance tests and processes of the provisional acceptance of the LSTs. * Contribute to defining the processes, procedures, and maintenance plans required for the technical operation of the telescope array, in preparation for handover to CTAO. * Perform troubleshooting tasks, detect and diagnose any problems found, and communicate with other members of the technical team, achieving their resolution. * Use maintenance software to document and track technical problems and their solution. * After provisional acceptance of the CTAO telescopes, plan and perform technical support of the telescope and array operation. Be a link between the operations and the maintenance teams to increase the efficiency and the availability of the technical systems of the Observatory. * After the initial two years, as Medium\-Sized Telescopes, auxiliary instrumentation, and the operations building are added to the Observatory, participate in their provisional acceptance by the CTAO and support the issuance of the relevant operations and maintenance documentation. * Strictly adhere to safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well\-being of personnel and equipment. **Qualifications and Experience:** * University degree in engineering, technical physics, or other relevant fields, or equivalent qualification. * More than five years of work experience. * Experience in the AIV, commissioning, and operation of complex technical and/or scientific systems, ideally astronomical telescopes and instrumentation. * Experience in Python programming, use of github/gitlab, and Modbus. * Basic knowledge of OPCUA and PLC programming. * Familiarity with Unix, Linux, and common computing software and operation systems. * Basic knowledge of the maintenance of complex technical systems and, ideally, experience with the use of CMMS (computerized maintenance management system). * Valid driver’s license in Spain, and the ability to drive manual transmission, AWD vehicles on mountain roads. * Flexibility to work outside regular working hours, during weekends and holidays as required. * Strong systematic and problem\-solving skills. * Ability to work effectively both alone and as part of a team. * Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, in English. Command of the Spanish language is an advantage. **Workplace:** CTAO\-North site at the Observatorio Roque de los Muchachos (ORM) at 2\.200 m ASL. and at the sea\-level CTAO office on the island of La Palma, located in the Canary Islands, Spain. Occasional travels to the CTAO headquarters in Bologna, Italy, or to the location of in\-kind contributor teams may be required. **Contract:**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**: https://ctao.bamboohr.com/careers/51?source\=aWQ9MTU%3D **Deadline for applications: 17 May 2026** For more information about the CTAO, visit www.ctao.org. For more information on the advertised position, please contact ctao\-hr@cta\-observatory.org. *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.*