Calibration/Test Engineer (f/m/d) in SWI Ground Reference Model

• Our Offer
• Comprehensive onboarding, professional development and further training opportunities
• Diverse and varied tasks in an international work environment
• Remuneration according to TVöDBund, based on qualifications and experience, annual bonus and additional pension scheme (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation plus 4 additional days off
• Full‑time and part‑time employment; flexible working time and possibility of mobile work
• Collaboration with local bilingual Montessori childcare center
• Good public transport connection
• Corporate health management

The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the fields of solar physics and planetary research, with approximately 300 employees.

The interdisciplinary research focus lies in the investigation of the development, diversity, and dynamics of planets, moons, small bodies, the sun, and solar‑like stars.

MPS develops and operates scientific instruments for current and future space missions (e. g., ESA, NASA) and conducts cosmochemical laboratory investigations of meteorites as well as numerical modeling on state‑of‑the‑art supercomputers.

The Planetary Science Department at MPS invites applications for the position of a Calibration/Test Engineer (f/m/d) in SWI Ground Reference Model.

This scientific support/technical position, as part of the Planetary Atmospheres research group and the Submillimetre Wave Instrument (SWI) project in particular, offers a unique opportunity to engage in the technical aspects of space research in the context of a state‑of‑the‑art space mission.

We are looking for a candidate with a proactive and solution‑oriented mindset.

We are seeking a dedicated engineer to join our team, focusing on the development of the SWI ground reference model, particularly the calibration data analysis of the SWI different models including the PFM and FS receivers front‑end.

In this role, you will not only engage with the calibration data analysis but also provide valuable support and expertise in the required test set up, and calibration concepts to be developed aligned with the SWI ground reference model objectives.

• Your Tasks
• Perform RF simulations using tools like MATLAB/Simulink and Keysight ADS
• Data analysis of SWI PFM and FS receiver unit
• Supporting lab activities in test set up and test execution for the SWI EM receiver unit
• Supporting lab activities and concept development for the SWI ground reference model focusing on the receiver unit front‑end
• Contribution to the technical meetings and reporting
• Documentation and archiving the test results and performed modellings and analysis
• Your Qualification
• A M. Sc. in physics or aerospace, electronic/RF engineering
• A solid Python and C programming skill
• A solid background using MATLAB/Simulink, Keysight ADS
• Experience in characterization of Schottky diode used in heterodyne THz receivers
• Hands on experience with the space hardware, working in the cleanroom, EGSE and test set up
• Familiar with the RF measurement equipment
• Ability to work in a team and learn new things
• Good command of spoken and written English
• Additional Information
• The position is rated in accordance to public service act (TVöD‑Bund) as EG 13
• Position can be filled from January 2027 (a sooner start can be considered)
• The contract is limited to 1 year without the possibility of an extension
• Application deadline is July 31, 2026

We look forward to receiving your informative application documents (cover letter, CV, references, certificates).

Please submit these via the digital application portal https://www. mps. mpg. de/career/jobs.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr.

Ali Schulz‑Ravanbakhsh (schulz‑ravanbakhsh@mpg. mpg. de).

The Max Planck Society endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity.

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.

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.

• Website of the Institute https://www. mps. mpg. de/en
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