The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching (near Munich), Germany, is a world-leading institute which develops and operates state-of-the-art astronomical instruments for both ground-based and space-based applications. MPE is divided into four major research areas: Infrared and Submillimeter Astronomy, High-Energy Astrophysics, Optical and Interpretative Astronomy and the Center for Astrochemical Studies. Over the past years, MPE has taken a leading role in the development, manufacturing and test of scientific instruments which are used at large telescopes (VLT, LBT, ELT) and aboard satellites (for example XMM-Newton, Herschel, EUCLID, eROSITA, New Athena WFI).

In particular, MPE is leading the development, construction, and commissioning of MICADO, the first light instrument for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). It is being built under the leadership of MPE by an international consortium of partners together with ESO. The ELT, with a diameter of nearly 40m, will be the largest telescope in the world. Together with MICADO, it represents a revolutionary science project that will allow astronomers worldwide to address a large number of science topics that span the key elements of modern astrophysics.

In order to support the interdisciplinary team which is testing and assembling MICADO at MPE we are looking for a Mechanical Engineer (f/m/d) for ground based Instrumentation (Project MICADO), Ref. number 05/2026.

Your tasks

• Participation in the integration, alignment and testing of the MICADO instrument with the focus on alignment and verification using Laser trackers, optical Autocollimators and Measurement arms
• Independently work on mechanical concepts, proper calculation and design of Test Setups and needed tooling in the context of the MICADO instrument
• Preparation of detailed 3D CAD Models, manufacturing documents and drawings as well as the associated project documentation if needed
• Planning, preparation and supervision of the manufacturing of the components in-house as well as at the supplying companies and partner institutes

Your qualifications

• University degree (Master, Bachelor) in mechanical engineering, precision mechanics, aerospace engineering or equivalent qualification
• Knowledge in the area of optical alignment and/or metrology techniques (Laser Tracker, measurement arm) is desired
• Very good knowledge in a State-of-the-Art CAD Software (Siemens NX preferred)
• Experience with integration and testing of scientific instruments is a plus
• Enthusiasm
• Proactive approach and flexibility with duties
• Problem solving abilities
• Self-organization skills
• willingness to work in a team and self-dependently
• fluent in spoken and written English (ability to communicate results in written reports and presentations)

Our offer

• a versatile, challenging and autonomous job in a dynamic and international research environment.
• Interdisciplinary work in a collegial team of experienced engineers and physicists.
• Needs-oriented training opportunities.
• Payment in line with your qualifications and professional experience in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD).
• Company pension scheme (VBL).
• Private accident insurance financed by the employer.
• Reduced rates for certain types of insurance.
• Family service at the Garching research campus.
• Canteen in the immediate vicinity.
• Good accessibility by public transport (subway and bus)
• Subsidy for the Isar-Card-Job Ticket or the Deutschlandjobticket
• Free parking on the institute premises.

The position is initially limited to two years , with plans for continued employment beyond that.

If we have aroused your interest, we look forward to receiving your complete online application by March 31, 2026 .

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and diversity and would like to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply.