RF-Electronics Development Engineer (m/f/d)

The Max-Planck-Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching (near Munich), Germany is one of the world’s leading institute for the development and operation of state-of-the-art astronomical instruments. Over the past years, MPE has been leading the international development of several major space- and ground based instruments, including XMM-Newton, Herschel, eROSITA, EUCLID, GRAVITY VLT ESO telescopes, the ARGOS laser guide star for the LBT. In addition, we will contribute in a major fashion to ESA’s next large space mission ATHENA with the Wide Field Imager (WFI) instrument and with the first light instrument MICADO for ESO’s European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT).

The new generation of telescopes and high-resolution spectrometers in the millimetre, sub-millimetre and infrared bands provide new information about atomic and molecular data. To understand the underlying effects, several experiments and test setups are being established in the laboratories of the Centre for Astrochemical Studies (CAS group) at MPE. Molecular spectroscopy and low-temperature molecular collisional dynamics or FTIR and Terahertz Spectroscopy are methods that are used for our laboratory experiments.

Spectrometers in the frequency range from a few gigahertz (GHz) up to several 100 GHz are used and developed for this purpose. The frequency systems to be developed work with input signals (typically in the range of 12-18 GHz), which generate the required output signals by frequency multiplication and mixing. All high-frequency signals must operate with maximum precision, minimal signal noise, and free from superimposed extraneous frequencies to achieve optimum measurement results. The results of this field of research will improve the interpretation of astronomical observations and enlarge our understanding of the near and far universe.

At the earliest date possible we search for an

RF-Electronics Development Engineer (m/f/d)

Job Code: 10/2024

Your Tasks

• RF design in AWR Microwave Office: RF mixers, RF transmitters, heterodyne receivers,
• RF filters, I/F processing, and component selection.
• PCB design (schematic and layout), selection and ordering of the components, manufacturing and assembly planning and coordination, commissioning, integration and test of developed circuits and systems, evaluation of test results.
• Development of custom laboratory instrumentation systems for signal distribution, signal filtering, signal amplification, etc.
• Support of Center for Astrochemical Studies (CAS) projects by Electronics Engineering. Support science teams at MPE working on laboratory experiments and developments; actively interact with several scientific groups at MPE and work together with engineers from the central engineering development department.

Your Qualification

• University degree (M.Sc./Dipl.-Ing.) in electronics and communication engineering or a comparable qualification.
• In-depth knowledge of RF electronics in the MHz to GHz region is required.
• Expertise in RF electronics development: receivers, transmitters, filters (lumped / microstrip / cavity), schematic and layout of RF PCBs, RF PCB testing and tuning, system testing and measurement setups, and operation of electronics equipment.
• Professional experience in designing and testing RF circuits and systems is an advantage.
• Experience with AWR Microwave Office tools (Harmonic balance, AXIEM, VSS) and Altium Designer are desirable.
• Well-developed communication skills, good conceptual and analytical skills, active problem-solving functioning, self-contained work and teamwork-oriented skills.
• Fluent in written and spoken German and English language. At least one of these two languages is at proficiency level.
• We also welcome applications from career starters with appropriate prior knowledge and motivation to familiarise themselves with the complex tasks.

We offer

• A versatile, challenging and autonomous job in a dynamic and culturally stimulating 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 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.

The full-time position is initially for two years, with the possibility for extension thereafter.

For more information of the work of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, visit http://www.mpe.mpg.de

Your application

Applicants should submit their documents including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and certificates (in PDF format) online by 02 June 2024.

Late applications may be considered if the position is not filled.

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.