Electronics Engineer (m/f/d)

1000scholars; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profiticket subsidy

Public-sector benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Max Planck Society seeks an Electronics Engineer to support cutting-edge experimental physics by developing high-performance electronic systems. You will work closely with scientists, engineers and technical staff to translate requirements into robust analog and digital designs, PCB layouts and integrated firmware.

The role emphasizes hands-on development and on-site lab work, with opportunities to contribute to diverse experimental setups and to maintain thorough technical documentation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Diplom in electrical engineering or closely related field.
• Experience in analogue and digital electronic system development, PCB layout, and testing.
• Firmware development for microcontrollers; C/C++ preferred.
• FPGA development and VHDL knowledge advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design and implement analogue and digital electronic systems for experimental physics.
• Translate requirements into robust electronic concepts, circuits and devices.
• Design, assemble, test PCBs and instruments from concept to lab deployment.
• Diagnose and optimise existing electronic systems and measurement equipment.
• Develop firmware for microcontrollers and integrate hardware, firmware and software.
• Provide practical, user-oriented technical solutions for diverse setups.
• Prepare technical documentation including schematics, PCB layouts, and test procedures.
• On-site hands-on development, assembly, testing and support of lab equipment.

Skills

Analog & digital design

PCB layout

Firmware development

C/C++

FPGA development

Mechanical CAD basics

German/English communication

Education

Master’s degree or Diplom in electrical engineering

Tools

KiCad

Autodesk EAGLE

Circuit simulation tools

Job description

Electronics Engineer (m/f/d)

Scientific and Technical Assistance

Hamburg

Solid State Research & Material Sciences

Job Code: 2026-10

Job Offer from October 07, 2026

The Max Planck Society is Germany's premier research organization. The 85 Max Planck Institutes conduct research at the highest levels, in the service of the general public, in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

The Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) is located at the Science Campus Hamburg-Bahrenfeld and investigates dynamical phenomena within matter down to the elementary timescales of atomic and electronic motions, the femtosecond or attosecond timescale. The focus is on the use of short-wavelength ultrafast probes, such as X-rays or electron pulses, which are capable of measuring atomic and electronic structures in matter of all kinds.

The MPSD currently consists of five scientific departments focusing on solid-state physics and theoretical methods in these fields. The MPSD is a partner in the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL), collaborating with the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), European XFEL (EuXFEL) and the University of Hamburg in the development of science based on the X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs).

Your position

As an Electronics Engineer, you will support cutting-edge experimental physics research by developing reliable, high-performance electronic systems in close collaboration with scientists, engineers and technical staff.

• Develop, design and implement analogue and digital electronic systems for experimental physics applications.
• Translate scientific and technical requirements into robust electronic concepts, circuits and complete devices.
• Design, assemble, commission and test printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic instruments, from initial concept through prototyping to deployment in the laboratory.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot and optimise existing electronic systems and measurement equipment.
• Develop firmware for microcontrollers and support the integration of hardware, firmware and software components.
• Work closely with researchers and engineers to provide practical, user-oriented technical solutions for a broad range of experimental setups.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, assembly instructions and test procedures.
• As the role involves hands-on development, assembly, testing and support of laboratory equipment, regular on-site presence is an essential part of the position.

Your background and skills

A university degree (Master’s degree or Diplom) in electrical engineering, electronics or a closely related field.

Sound practical experience in the development of analogue and digital electronic systems, including circuit design, PCB layout and the assembly, commissioning and testing of electronic devices.

Proficiency in common ECAD tools for schematic capture and PCB design, ideally including KiCad or Autodesk EAGLE, as well as familiarity with circuit-simulation tools.

Knowledge of firmware development for microcontrollers, ideally using C/C++. Experience in developing user software for the control, operation and monitoring of electronic devices is also desirable.

Experience with FPGA development and VHDL is an advantage. Familiarity with CAD systems for mechanical design is also desirable.

A strong understanding of the requirements and working practices of a diverse scientific and technical environment, combined with intercultural competence and effective communication skills.

Excellent written and spoken German and English skills.

Experience in laboratory electronics, measurement technology, scientific instrumentation or experimental physics is desirable.

Our offer

A varied and responsible position in an international and interdisciplinary scientific environment, with the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative experimental research.

Close collaboration with scientists, engineers and technical staff on challenging and diverse technical projects.

A family-friendly working environment with flexible working arrangements, in line with the practical requirements of laboratory-based work.

Opportunities for professional development and further training.

Attractive remuneration and social benefits in accordance with the applicable public-sector collective agreement, depending on qualifications and professional experience.

An initial contract for two years, with the possibility of permanent employment thereafter.

The opportunity to work in a collaborative, inclusive and forward-looking research environment.

A subsidy for the Profiticket as a Germany ticket.

Equal opportunity and diversity statement

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. 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.