Quality and Product Assurance Engineer (m/f/d)

Scientific and Technical Assistance Göttingen

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Job Code: Planeten: QA-Engineer-Krupp-10/26

Job Offer from October 23, 2026

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.

For the development of a plasma spectrometer to be flown on the ESA M7 mission "Plasma Observatory" PMO, the institute is looking for a Quality and Product Assurance Engineer (m/f/d).

This position is subject to financing that has not yet been confirmed. As a Quality and Product Assurance (QA/PA) Engineer, you will be part of the R&D team and support the development of hardware for space applications, as well as its testing, qualification, and documentation, to ensure compliance with applicable quality standards. You will work closely with the project team and external partners.

Your tasks

• Monitor and document the compliance of applicable product and quality assurance standards for all parts and procedures used in the project
• Contact for ESA and Spacecraft prime in all QA/PA questions related to the plasma spectrometer in coordination with the instrument PI and project manager
• Support environmental tests of the plasma spectrometer

Your qualification

• College degree (Master’s or equivalent) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
• Work experience in product and quality assurance, ideally in connection with aerospace projects
• A good understanding of product and quality assurance standards, as well as their application, implementation, and maintenance
• Knowledge of the standards used in the aerospace industry (ECSS, ESCC, MIL)
• Experience in material and process qualification, evaluation and approval of EEE components, radiation effects and analysis, reliability and availability analysis, and FMEA
• Experience with cleanliness requirements related to the development of space instruments
• Experience in defining, implementing, and maintaining quality management systems in accordance with ISO 9001, EN 9100, or IATF 16949

You should have

• a meticulous, detail-oriented, and structured way of working
• a strong commitment to quality, accuracy, and reliability
• the ability to take requirements seriously and follow them through with care
• a proactive mindset and a strong sense of ownership
• confidence in identifying issues early and addressing them constructively
• the ability to support high standards in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment
• strong communication skills and a cooperative working style
• fluent English skills, both written and spoken
• good command of German, sufficient for effective day-to-day communication
• Experience in space projects (ESA, NASA, etc.) is an advantage

Additional information

• The position requires citizenship to allow access to ESA, CNES and spacecraft prime facilities as well as travel to the USA
• The full-time position can be filled starting 4 Jan 2027 or later. Employment is initially limited in time until the end of 2030, with a possible extension if the project will be continued and if funding will be available
• The position is rated in accordance with the Public Service Act (TVöDBund) as EG 13
• Temporary teleworking can be negotiated
• Social security benefits are in accordance with the public service regulations
• End date for application is 30 October 2026

As a scientific institution, the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research offers an attractive international and sophisticated environment with the possibility of implementing one's own ideas and concepts. Moreover, we offer opportunities to reconcile work and family as well as health promotion.

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.

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