The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) is a world-leading center specializing in gravitational physics, gravitational-wave research, and precision laser interferometry. The institute has more than 400 employees across its Potsdam and Hannover locations. For our Hannover site, we are seeking a:
Deputy System Engineer – Scientific Instrumentation for Space Missions at AEI Hannover
The position is embedded in the “Laser Interferometry in Space” group, which has contributed significantly to missions such as LISA Pathfinder and GRACE-FO and is currently playing a leading role in ESA’s LISA mission. You will join a multidisciplinary and international team working at the forefront of spaceborne gravitational-wave detection.
Your Duties and Responsibilities
- Support the LISA System Engineer in system engineering activities and progressively assume deputy responsibilities.
- Coordinate system-level decisions and participate in internal and external technical meetings.
- Contribute to system design, verification tasks, and technical documentation preparation.
- Maintain accurate configuration control and documentation.
- Plan and support Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities.
- Prepare requirements and procedures for safe hardware handling, shipment, and verification.
- Operate and verify Ground Support Equipment and test facilities during subsystem and system testing.
- Participate in verification campaigns at AEI and partner sites.
- Support Product Assurance (PA) activities, including non-conformance tracking and inspections.
- Contribute to design reviews, test readiness reviews, and acceptance reviews.
- Support procurement processes and prepare technical specifications.
- Collaborate closely with industrial partners, space agencies, and internal project teams.
Your Profile
- Master’s degree or equivalent in engineering, physics, or a related field.
- Experience in system engineering, testing, verification, or product assurance.
- Familiarity with ECSS workflows, test automation, or electronics verification.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory or test equipment is an advantage.
- Strong communication skills in English (level C1 minimum); German is an asset but not required.
- Organisational talent and the ability to manage multiple parallel tasks.
- Structured and careful working style with strong documentation practices.
We Offer
- An international, collaborative research environment.
- Work at the forefront of spaceborne gravitational-wave detection.
- Regular interaction with ESA, DLR, laboratories, and industrial partners.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructure.
- Competitive salary according to the German TVöD Bund guidelines.
- Initial 2-year contract with the possibility of extension.
How to Apply
Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your online application (cover letter, CV, university certificates, letter of recommendation and other supporting documents) without a photo. Please upload your complete application documents combined into a single PDF on our applicant portal:
https://jobs.aei.mpg.de/245/deputy-system-engineer-scientific-instrumentation-for-space-missions/apply
Questions can be directed to the LISA Program Office (lisa-program-office(at)aei.mpg.de).
The applications received will be considered from January 15th, 2026. The advertisement is valid until the position is filled.
Further information
The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. 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. For more information about our institute, please visit https://www.aei.mpg.de/.
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