Electronics Engineer (m/f/d)

MPI for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profiticket subsidy

Flexible working arrangements

International research environment

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld invites applications for a position developing analogue and digital electronic systems for experimental physics. You will design PCBs, assemble and test instruments from concept to deployment, and generate robust documentation.

We seek a Master’s degree in EE with hands-on lab electronics experience, strong ECAD skills (KiCad/EAGLE), FPGA/VHDL knowledge, and fluency in German and English.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience in analogue and digital electronics development.
• Proficiency with ECAD tools for schematic capture and PCB design.
• Firmware development for microcontrollers, preferably C/C++.
• Experience with FPGA development and VHDL is advantageous.
• Strong communication and intercultural skills in a scientific environment.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English.
• Experience in lab electronics or instrumentation desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design and implement analogue and digital electronic systems for experimental physics.
• Translate requirements into robust electronic concepts and devices.
• Design, assemble, test PCBs and instruments from concept to deployment.
• Diagnose and optimize existing electronic systems.
• Develop firmware for microcontrollers and integrate hardware, firmware, software.
• Collaborate with researchers to provide practical technical solutions.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation.
• Regular on-site presence is essential.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Circuit design

PCB layout

Microcontroller firmware

VHDL / FPGA

KiCad/EAGLE

German & English

Lab instrumentation

Education

Master’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

PCB CAD tools

HDL/FPGA tools

CAD (mechanical)

Job description

The Max Planck Society is Germany's premier research organization. The 86Max Planck Institutes conduct research at 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).

To strengthen our support for experimental research, the MPSD is seeking a highly motivated

Your position

• 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.

latest by 15th November, 2026.

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

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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Friedjof Tellkamp by email at [e-mail] or Dr. Lars Tiemann at [e-mail].

Detailed information about the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter and the online application portal can be found on our website at: https://www.mpsd.mpg.de/karriere/jobs