• Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Complex Systems

Art der Stelle

Software Engineer (m/f/d) | High-Energy Astrophysics

Stellenangebot vom 28.06.2025

Applications are invited for one software engineer position in the High-Energy astrophysics group of the Max-Planck-Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching, led by Prof. K. Nandra. MPE is a world-leading institute in space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, with leading roles in a number of large astronomical projects. The high-energy group carries out major space hardware activities in support of its astrophysics research program, including the development of X-ray detectors and X-ray optics. The group has contributed significantly to missions such as Chandra and XMM–Newton and led the development of the eROSITA X-ray telescope, launched in 2019 aboard the SRG satellite. MPE is also a partner in Einstein Probe, a mission of the Chinese academy of Science successfully launched in early 2024 and is a leading institute in ESA’s future NewAthena X-ray observatory. The group is involved in a number of ground-based projects, including GROND, SDSS-V, VISTA/4MOST and VRO/LSST, mostly in support of our space programs.

Software Engineer in High-Energy Astrophysics (m/f/d)

Job Code: 14/2025

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and maintenance of the eROSITA Science Analysis Software System (eSASS) pipeline used for processing and analyzing X-ray data from the eROSITA telescope, and will contribute to the activities of the MPE eROSITA ground segment team, which focus on calibration and processing of eROSITA X-ray data, management of the eROSITA all-sky survey archive and data releases.

Applicants should have a strong background in scientific software development in the physical sciences, preferably in astronomy. Although the working language of the project is Fortran 90, lack of direct experience in this language need not hinder, provided the applicant has strong programming experience in some high-level language, such as C/C++ or Java, and is willing to learn and work with Fortran. Experience with web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and PHP is a strong plus, as some tools include web-based interfaces for internal use and data access.

Experience with the FITS file format, with astronomical coordinate systems, with pipelines for the reduction of large data sets, and with the particulars of X-ray astronomy are all highly desirable.

The position is available immediately, and the appointments will be for up to 3 years, with the possibility to extend until 31.12.2028 at the latest. Salaries will be paid at German civil service rates (TVöD-Bund) depending on experience.

Our offer

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

Your application

Applicants should submit their documents (in English, and in PDF form) via our online application portal by 31st July 2025,  including a cover letter describing their interest in this position, a CV, PhD/diploma certificate, a list of publications, and a detailed list of IT and computing experience. Applications should be written in English. Three referees should be identified, who can provide letters of recommendation upon request. Prospective applicants can contact Dr. A. Merloni for further information (phone: +49-89-30003893).

Late applications will be considered until the position is filled.

MPE is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity. Family-friendly working conditions are a matter for us.

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.