The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) is one of the world's leading astrophysics research institutes, with around 350 employees. To strengthen our engineering design department, we are looking for a

Design Engineer (m/f/d), Ref. 413.

The position is initially limited to 4 years.

Your tasks

• Design and development of astronomical instruments
• Finite element simulations (deformation, earthquake loading, thermal)
• Preparation of documentation
• Assembly and testing

Your profile

• Completed technical degree with a B.Eng., Master's or FH diploma
• Very good technical knowledge of design engineering
• Design experience, preferably in the construction of precision optical devices
• Knowledge of technical optics
• 3D CAD skills (e.g., PTC Creo) are desirable
• Experience in cryogenic and vacuum design would be an advantage
• Willingness to work cooperatively in a team
• Solid professional experience in the areas listed above
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to work in a team, work independently, and a high degree of commitment, reliability, and flexibility

Our offer

You can expect an interesting and varied range of tasks with responsible tasks in an international working environment. Taking into account your qualifications and personal circumstances, remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD) up to at least pay grade 12 is provided, depending on your experience and profile. Social benefits are granted as in the public sector.

The Max Planck Society aims to increase the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. The Max Planck Society promotes professional equality between women and men. A good work-life balance is important to us at the institute. We offer our employees family-friendly working hours and support them in finding suitable childcare facilities.

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more people with severe disabilities. Applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly welcome. If you have any questions about severe disabilities, please contact sbv@mpia.de , and for questions about equal opportunities, please contact the equal opportunities officer at equality@mpia.de .

Have we sparked your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application. Please apply by March 23, 2026, exclusively via our online application portal .

For inquiries, please contact Wolfgang Gässler ( gaessler@mpia.de ).