The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching is a world leader in the field of ground-based and space-based experimental astronomy with its working areas Infrared and Submillimeter Astronomy, High Energy Astronomy, Optical Astronomy and Astrochemistry. It develops, builds and tests scientific instruments intended for operation on large telescopes (VLT, LBT, ELT) and for installation on satellites (XMM-Newton, Herschel, eROSITA, NewAthena). For the development of the Wide Field Imager (WFI) instrument for ESA's space X-ray observatory ATHENA we are looking for a Mechnical Engineer (f/m/d) for Satellite Instrumentation (Project ATHENA WFI), ref. nr. 12/2025.

Within the ESA mission ATHENA, MPE as leader of an international consortium is responsible for the development of the Wide Field Imager (WFI) camera, one of two instruments on the X-ray satellite. The WFI camera enables spatially and temporally resolved spectroscopy of X-ray photons in the energy range from 200 eV to 15 keV over a large field of view. The camera is developed and tested by the WFI consortium. In the advertised position you will work with an interdisciplinary and international team of engineers and physicists.

Your tasks

• Independently work on mechanical concepts, development, proper calculation and construction of challenging scientific instruments for astronomy in close collaboration with the project teams, the European partner institutes, ESA and ESO.
• The detailed design and construction of the instruments and the development of the necessary integration and test equipment.
• The preparation of the detailed 3D CAD Model, manufacturing documents and drawings as well as the associated project documentation.
• The definition and control of the mechanical interfaces.
• The planning, preparation and supervision of the manufacturing of the components in-house as well as at the supplying companies and partner institutes.
• The organization or participation in the integration and testing of the instrument assemblies assigned to you and their commissioning in the laboratory together with the project teams.

Your qualifications

• University degree (Master, Bachelor) in mechanical engineering, precision mechanics, aerospace engineering or equivalent qualification.
• At least 2 years of professional experience through full-time employment, extracurricular project teams, or lab work.
• Experience in 3D CAD/CAE development
• Design of complex, particularly difficult assemblies and their mechanical design using Siemens NX is desirable.
• Knowledge of Siemens NX/TeamCenter desired.
• Experience with space projects and knowledge of ESA design and quality assurance requirements (ECSS standards) is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, presentation of results, excellent conceptual and analytical skills, active problem solving, team spirit.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and German language.

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).
• Canteen in the immediate vicinity.
• Underground station U6 directly in front of the institute, discounted public transport 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.

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

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.

Applicants should submit their documents including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and certificates (in PDF format) online by July, 18^th 2025.