Software engineer (f/m/d) | SWI ground segment Full-time

Software Engineer (F/M/D): SWI Ground Segment

Scientist Göttingen Astronomy & Astrophysics

Job Code: Planeten: Software engineer-Rezac-11/26

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 and consolidation of the science planning pipeline of the Submillimetre Wave Instrument (SWI) as part of ESA's Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (JUICE) mission to Jupiter, the institute seeks an application for a Software engineer (f/m/d): SWI ground segment.

This position, within the Planetary Atmospheres research group and specifically within the Submillimetre Wave Instrument (SWI) project, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to both the technical and scientific challenges of space research on a cutting-edge planetary mission. We are looking for a candidate with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset who is willing to learn and apply new concepts and techniques.

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Software Engineer (f/m/d) to join our team in developing and maintaining the SWI ground segment software infrastructure, with a strong focus on data pipelines, automation, and science data archiving support. In this role, you will play a central part in building and optimizing the software systems that enable the processing, calibration, and archiving of SWI science data. You will work closely with scientists, engineers, and mission operations teams to ensure robust, scalable, and user-friendly tools that support the full lifecycle of SWI science operations as part of our ground segment.

Your Tasks

• Maintain, enhance, and build upon existing SWI science operations for SWI ground segment data pipeline (mostly Python)
• Implement and optimize automated workflows for data processing, calibration, and validation
• Act as a “developer” or “product owner” in developing, debugging or testing software pipelines, web interface, or back-end
• Contribution to the meetings and relevant reviews for the software work packages

Your Qualification

• A PhD, MSc (or soon-to-be-completed PhD) in physics, planetary science, or in aerospace, telecommunications, or software engineering
• Solid Python programming skills, Docker and Gitlab familiarity
• Experience in front-end development (e.g. streamlit)
• Ability to work in a team and learn new things
• Good command of spoken and written English

We Offer

• A dynamic, international research environment at the forefront of planetary science and space instrumentation
• The opportunity to contribute to a flagship ESA mission with long-term scientific impact
• Support for professional development, including training, conference participation, and collaboration with leading institutions
• A supportive team with strong expertise in both software engineering and planetary science

Additional Information

• The position is rated in accordance with the Public Service Act (TVöD) as EG 13
• The position can be filled from January 2027 (an earlier start can be considered)
• Initial contract is until the end of 2027; extension may be possible depending on project funding
• Application deadline is Nov 30, 2026

We look forward to receiving your informative application documents (cover letter, CV, references, certificates). Please submit these via the digital application portal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Ladislav Rezac (rezac@mps.mpg.de).

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.