Physicist / Engineer

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg is one of the world-leading research institution with about 350 employees from 40 different countries. The institute is developing instruments for ground-based  observatories as well as for space missions. 

We are looking for a Physicist / Engineer (m/f/d), Ref. 354 for the integration and verification of the adaptive optics sensor system of METIS. METIS (Mid-infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph) is one of the three first generation instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) of ESO (European Southern Observatory). METIS is being built by an international consortium of scientific institutes. MPIA is responsible, among other things, for the adaptive optics system (SCAO).

The position is provisionally limited to 4 years. The starting date is March 1, 2023. The position, focusing on AIV (Assembly, Integration, Verification), will complement a multidisciplinary engineering and software team developing and building the SCAO system. Specifically, the scope of duties includes the following:
• Assembly of the SCAO wavefront sensor and integration into the test cryostat.
• Assembly of the ELT telescope simulator in the laboratory.
• Functional testing of the wavefront sensor and telescope simulator.
• Support of the SW team in the integration of the RTC (Real-Time Computer) with the wavefront sensor and the telescope simulator.
• Test and verification of the overall SCAO system in the MPIA laboratory.
• Support for the integration and test of SCAO into the overall METIS instrument in the Leiden laboratory.
• Support in the preparation of ESO compliant documentation.

Your profile:
• Completed university studies or equivalent qualification in physics or engineering.
• Experience in building and testing instruments as well as with adaptive optical systems is an advantage.
• Programming skills
• Willingness to work in a team
• Willingness to work abroad
• Good knowledge of English for working in an international team

We offer very challenging tasks and contact with the latest technology in an international working environment. Remuneration is in accordance with TVöD, depending on qualifications and professional experience, up to level EG 13. Social benefits are granted in accordance with the regulations of the civil service. The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. If required, we support our employees in finding suitable childcare options. For questions concerning equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees at MPIA, please contact our equal opportunity officers ([email protected]). Regarding disability guidelines and regulations, please contact Ralf Launhardt ([email protected]). More information about the MPIA can be found on the following web page: http://www.mpia.de.

If you are interested, please apply by January 31, 2023 exclusively online at the following link: https://recruitingapp-5308.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/358/Application/New/2. Your application should include the following documents:
Curriculum vitae, overview of your previous experience, overview of knowledge and skills relevant to this job posting, work references, university transcripts, and the names and addresses of three references we can contact. For information on the technical requirements profile, please contact Mr. Thomas Bertram, E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (+49) 6221 528441.