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/div)
Ref. 358

with a focus on system engineering for the design and integration of astronomical instruments.

The main project for this position will be the Second Earth Spectrograph (2ES). 2ES is a planned high-precision RV spectrograph for the 2.2 m telescope on La Silla (Chile) with the aim of reaching a radial velocity precision of 10 cm/s to search for Earth analogues around solar-type stars. The main respon­sibilities of this position are the integration and testing of the spectrograph optics, the develop­ment, procurement, integration, and/or testing of peripheral instrument parts, such as the calibration unit, the thermal control system, the fiber-link, or the telescope front-end. You will be supported by experts of an international consortium (including institutes from Denmark, the US, Germany, and Chile). The posting is anticipated to begin on September 1, 2023. The duration of the position is three years.

• Design of optics and opto-mechanics
• Procurement of optics, negotiations with manufacturers
• Procurement of mechanical parts, interaction with in-house workshops
• Integration / testing of thermal control system
• System integration and testing
• Compiling documentation

• A PhD in engineering, astronomy, or physics; applicants with a master's degree will be considered with equivalent experience
• System engineering skills in the context of astronomical instrumentation
• Good knowledge of optics, mechanics, and measurement techniques
• Experience with optical design software is beneficial
• Experience with 3D CAD software is highly desired
• Basic knowledge of vacuum systems is beneficial
• Good working knowledge of spoken and written English
• A basic knowledge of German for negotiations with companies is helpful

We offer stimulating work 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 Entgeltgruppe 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 (equality@mpia.de). Regarding disability guidelines and regulations, please con­tact Ralf Launhardt (rl@mpia.de).

More information about the MPIA can be found on the following web page: http://www.mpia.de.

If you are interested, please apply by April 15, 2023, exclusively online at the following link: ONLINE APPLICATION.

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 Dr. Julian Stuermer, e-mail: stuermer@lsw.uni-heidelberg.de.