Scientific Software Engineer

Maintain, enhance, and build upon existing SWI science operations tools and ground segment data pipeline (mostly Python)

• Integrate these models into science operations workflows, enabling predictive simulations for observation planning and calibration
• Contribute to the development of automated science operations systems, including scheduling, anomaly detection, and real-time data assessment
• Collaborate closely with the SWI science team, mission operations, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of models into the 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 Scientific Software Engineer (f/m/d) to join our team, focusing on the development and integration of physics models into the SWI ground segment and science operations framework. These include hardware simulator as well as expected science data modeling. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering, data science, and instrument operations, offering a unique opportunity to shape how science data is processed, calibrated, and interpreted in real mission contexts., A PhD, MSc (or soon to be completed PhD) in Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, including science software engineering

• A solid Python programming skills, C language, Docker and Gitlab familiarity
• Proactive mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
• Good command of spoken and written English

Remuneration according to TVöDBund, based on qualifications and experience, annual bonus and additional pension scheme (VBL)

• 30 days of vacation plus 4 additional days off
• Full-time and part-time employment; flexible working time and possibility of mobile work
• Cooperation with local bilingual Montessori child care center
• Good public transport connection
• Corporate health management

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

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.