Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik

Lead System Engineer (m/f/d) for the NEW ATHENA-WFI satellite project

Garching bei München, Bayern, Germany

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Role family: Skilled trades
Seniority: Lead / management
Country: DE
Work mode: On-site / unstated
First seen by hirly: 26 Sept 2026

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the posting

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in
Garching (near Munich), Germany, is a world-leading institute for
developing and operating state-of-the-art astronomical instruments.
Over the past years, MPE has taken a leading role in the development
of instrumentation for several international space- and ground-based
projects, for example XMM-Newton, Herschel, SRG/eROSITA, EUCLID, the
VLT telescopes (e.g. KMOS, GRAVITY) and Einstein Probe. The MPE
High-Energy group, led by Prof. K. Nandra, carries out major space
hardware programs including the development of X-ray detectors and
X-ray optics in support of its astrophysics research program. Within
the framework of ESA’s future large-class space mission New Athena,
MPE leads the international consortium developing the Wide Field
Imager (WFI), one of the two instruments aboard the X-ray satellite.
Further details about the WFI, which is based on the Max Planck
Society’s unique Silicon DEPFET technology, can be found here:
https://www.mpe.mpg.de/ATHENA-WFI/ The MPE High Energy group is
seeking an experienced Lead System Engineer for the WFI project, who
should in addition have in their earlier career stages been an
accomplished design engineer in any of the primary engineering
disciplines (electronics, optical, mechanical, control and/or software
engineering). As electronics forms the technical core of the
instrument, a design background in electronics engineering is
considered a particular asset. As the Lead System Engineer for the New
Athena WFI, you will be part of the Project Management Team. Working
as a senior member of the WFI team, reporting to the Principal
Investigator and the Project Manager, you will have ample
opportunities to innovate and develop new technical solutions. Lead
System Engineer (m/f/d) for the NEW ATHENA-WFI satellite project Job
Code: 18/2026 Your Tasks: Act as the technical authority for the whole
WFI instrument, establishing, maintaining and controlling the
instrument-level technical baseline throughout the project lifecycle.
Be responsible for the project's technical configuration management.
Work in close and continuous collaboration with the Project Manager,
Project Scientist and the engineering team. Requirements engineering.
Definition and control of technical interfaces (external:
WFI-to-spacecraft; internal: between WFI sub-systems), ensuring
consistency across all responsible sub-system teams. Application of
end-to-end systems analysis and modelling and the subsequent
allocation and management of technical budgets/tolerances.
Definition of the verification requirements and success criteria that
integration and test plans must satisfy, in coordination with the MAIT
Manager. Support of system integration, verification and testing,
acting as the primary technical interface towards ESA and consortium
partners. Technical Management and Risk Assessment. Prepare technical
documentation for milestones and reviews, assist the Project Manager
with schedule development and resource planning, and monitor
engineering progress against the project schedule, coordinating the
technical actions needed to support timely achievement of engineering
milestones. Your Qualifications: Essential: A completed scientific
university degree (M.Sc. or Dipl.‑Ing.) in engineering or an
equivalent qualification with in‑depth knowledge of scientific
instrumentation development. A physics degree with applicable work
experience in instrumentation development will also be considered.
Desirable: Given that electronics is the technical core of the
instrument, prior design experience in electronics engineering is
regarded as a particular asset, though applicants with a strong
background in the other primary engineering disciplines are equally
encouraged to apply. A higher degree (Ph.D.) in System Engineering
would be an advantage. Knowledge and Experience: Successful candidate
is expected to bring proven systems engineering experience with
designing astronomical or other complex systems. Knowledge of:
Engineering management with a broad knowledge of the technologies
involved in the engineering activities being managed. Principles and
methods of systems engineering and requirements analysis. Technical
risk assessment. Modelling languages, and relevant software tools.
Characterisation methods to evaluate candidate design alternatives.
System integration, tools, test equipment, principles and methods of
validation. Knowledge of ESA design and quality requirements (ECSS
standards) is an advantage. Electronics design principles
(analogue/digital, front-end and detector electronics) are
considered particularly relevant, given the central role of
electronics in the instrument. Skills: Very good communication skills.
Planning, organising resources, motivating people, measuring
performance and applying corrections where necessary. The ability to
balance technical, schedule, resource and contractual considerations,
and a clear understanding of when a technical decision needs to be
escalated — to the Project Manager or, in more significant cases, to
the Project Office. Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in
written and spoken German will be an advantage but is not essential.
We 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 up to pay group 14 (TVöD Bund). Company
pension scheme (VBL). Underground station U6 directly in front of the
institute. Canteen in the immediate vicinity. Reduced rates for
certain insurance policies. Free parking on the institute grounds. The
full-time position is initially time limited until 31st Dec 2027 , but
with the expectat

Original posting on Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik's site ↗

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Lead System Engineer (m/f/d) for the NEW ATHENA-WFI satellite project

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