Electronics Engineer (f/m/d) for Satellite Instrumentation (Project NewAthena WFI) Full-time

Electronics Engineer (F/M/D) for Satellite Instrumentation (Project NewAthena WFI)

Garching Astronomy & Astrophysics Complex Systems

Job Code: 11/2026

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: High-Energy Astrophysics, Infrared/Submillimeter Astronomy, 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, SRG/eROSITA, EUCLID, Einstein Probe, NewAthena).

Within the framework of ESA's future large-class space mission NewAthena, MPE leads the international consortium developing the Wide Field Imager (WFI), one of the two instruments aboard the X-ray satellite. Further details about the WFI, which is based on the Max Planck Society's unique Silicon DEPFET technology, can be found on our Homepage.

For the commissioning and extensive testing of the various WFI electronics modules, we are looking for an

Electronics Engineer (F/M/D) for Satellite Instrumentation (Project NewAthena WFI) Job Code 11/2026

Your Tasks

• Commissioning and testing of complex analogue and digital electronic modules: This ranges from the complex power supply for the WFI camera with numerous different and noise-sensitive analogue voltages to FPGA-based control electronics, including the understanding, functional and verification testing of externally developed FPGA logic.
• Definition and documentation of test requirements, creation of test procedures, and execution of tests for verification of functionality and performance of electronic modules and FPGA function blocks.
• Design of test setups and development of peripheral circuits to test the target hardware for electronic modules and FPGA function blocks.
• Creation of advanced simulation environments and VHDL testbenches for verification and reliability testing of FPGA designs.
• Collaborative optimisation and further development of an existing, externally developed VHDL design to meet the functionality and performance requirements of the current space project.
• Supporting the integration and system tests of the camera electronics, including evaluation and documentation of the results.
• Programming and automation of the test setups, as well as the creation of evaluation software.
• Documentation of test setups and tests.

Your Qualifications

• A completed university degree in electronics / electrical engineering (Masters' or Dipl.-Ing.) or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience in VHDL programming of FPGAs.
• Experience in the development of test setups and execution of tests.
• Knowledge in the field of measurement technology and PC-supported data acquisition.
• Prior experience with Microchips' FPGA's, specifically within the Libero SoC IDE, is desirable.
• Experience in electronics development for space projects is ideal.
• Knowledge in the field of signal processing and filtering for noise suppression is desirable.
• Knowledge of Labview, C/C++, Python is desirable.
• Experience in electronics development (schematics design and layout of printed circuit boards) in analog and digital technology for space electronics is an advantage.
• Fluent in written and spoken German and English language. At least one of these two languages is at full professional proficiency.
• We also welcome applications from career starters with relevant prior experience and the motivation to familiarise themselves with this complex role.

We Offer

• A versatile, challenging and autonomous job in a dynamic and international research environment in the development of satellite instrumentation.
• Interdisciplinary work in a collegial team of experienced engineers and physicists.
• Payment in line with your qualifications and professional experience in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD).
• Needs-oriented training opportunities.
• Company pension scheme (VBL).
• Canteen in the immediate vicinity and other dining options on the research campus.
• Underground station U6 directly in front of the institute, discounted MVV job tickets.
• Free parking on the institute premises.
• Family service at the Garching research campus.
• Private accident insurance financed by the employer.
• Reduced rates for certain insurance policies.

This full-time position is available immediately and will be time-limited initially until December, 31st 2027, with the possibility for extension thereafter.

Your Application

Applicants should submit their documents including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and certificates (in PDF format) online by July, 12th 2026.

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.

MPE wishes to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects and welcomes applications without regard to factors such as race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.