AIV- Engineer (m/f/d) Ref. No. 317

The Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany is seeking applications from highly-qualified and motivated candidates for a position as

AIV- Engineer (m/f/d) Ref. No. 317

Engineer or Physicist for instrument assembly, integration and verification (AIV)
with focus on optics and measurement technology

for the design and integration of astronomical instruments. The position is anticipated to begin on 1 February 2021.

The MPIA is one of the leading astronomical research institutes worldwide. It develops instrumentation for ground-based telescopes as well as for space missions. Further information about the institute’s instrumentation program can be found at http://www.mpia.de/en/research/telescopes.

This position supports the assembly, integration and verification (AIV) process of several instrument projects, mainly for METIS and MICADO, two first-light instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently being built by the European Southern Observatory in Chile (see www.eso.org). MPIA is part of the international development consortium and responsible for various sub-systems of these projects in the fields of infrared optics and wavefront sensing. These sub-systems will be designed, built and finally integrated and verified at MPIA. For this phase and for the integration to the final instrument we search for a motivated candidate.

The successful candidate will work in a team, responsible for lab testing and documenting the verification process.

 

The position is initially offered for five years.

 

Your tasks:

• Optical measurement techniques e.g. interferometry, auto-collimation, image processing, etc.
• Procurement of opto-mechanical components
• Integration and alignment of complex optics
• Design and assembly of optical setups for acceptance and verification tests
• Handling of cryogenic equipment   
• Development and execution of acceptance and verification procedures
• Developer and user-level documentation of these procedures
• Installation and commissioning of the instruments at partner institutes and at the telescope
• Presenting developments and results at consortium meetings

 

Your profile:

• A master’s degree in engineering or physics or equivalent qualification
• Good knowledge of optics and measurement techniques
• Experience with the OpticStudio optical design software
• Experience with a scripting language (preferably Python)
• Good working knowledge of spoken and written English for collaborating in international teams
• Ability to work in a team
• Willingness to work abroad for limited periods to install and commission astronomical instruments and to participate in consortium meetings
• Sufficient knowledge of German for negotiations with companies

 

Our Offer:

We offer a very challenging and rewarding international field of work with state-of-the-art technology. The remuneration is based on the German collective wage agreement for the public sector (TVöD) and depends on qualification and experience up to level EG 13. Social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service. The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women, disabled people, minorities, and historically under-represented groups are particularly welcome. MPIA supports its employees in their search for suitable child care.

 

More detailed information about the MPIA is available from our webpage: http://www.mpia.de

 

Your application materials should contain:

a CV, a statement of past experience, a summary of your job-related skills, university certificates, and the names and addresses of three referees who can be contacted for references.

 

All applications need to be submitted not later than January, 31, 2020 using our online application system: Online Application