Research Engineer – Software Development or DevOps (m/f/d)

Max Planck Society; Tübingen; Hybrid; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Tübingen is seeking a Research Engineer – Software Development or DevOps (m/f/d) with expertise in AI-related fields. The role involves supporting researchers to develop high-impact software, maintaining software infrastructure, and contributing to machine learning and robotics projects. Applicants should have an M.Sc. or PhD, and experience in software and DevOps engineering is required. The position offers a chance for some remote work and follows the Public Service Wage Agreement guidelines.

Qualifikationen

• Several years of experience in software and DevOps engineering.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.
• Team-player attitude.

Aufgaben

• Work closely with researchers to translate research prototypes into software.
• Maintain and develop software infrastructure.
• Implement software solutions for research purposes.

Kenntnisse

C++

Rust

Python

Agile software development

DevOps frameworks

Ausbildung

M.Sc. or PhD in computer science or related discipline

Tools

Docker

Ansible

Gitlab CI/CD

Jobbeschreibung

Embedded in Tübingen's rapidly growing science and technology campus, the Max Planck Institut for Intelligent Systems is an internationally leading research institute doing cutting‑edge research in artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields of machine learning, computer vision, robotics, haptics, and more. The institute has close ties to ELLIS, a Europe‑wide research network in machine learning, the Cyber Valley initiative that connects researchers with startups and industry in the area, as well as the Tübingen AI Center, home to numerous leading AI researchers.

We are seeking a Research Engineer – Software Development or DevOps (m/f/d), 80 – 100 % with a diverse skillset to support researchers and engineers in turning research into high‑impact software.

Description

Part of the institute, the Software Workshop is a unique central scientific facility at the intersection between software engineering and research. It conducts research in the area of computer science and supports the departments and research groups of the institute in software development. Its main goal is to increase the quality and impact of the research at the institute, both internally and worldwide.

Roles and responsibilities

You will work closely with the scientists and engineers of the institute. You will directly contribute to projects in various areas (e.g., machine learning, computer vision, robotics, haptics), helping researchers to translate research prototypes into supportable software. You will also maintain and develop part of our software infrastructure.

Responsibilities May Include

• Implementation of software solutions for research purposes
• Translation of research code into robust software (e.g., optimization, refactoring)
• Contribution to research projects to allow deployment (containerization, virtualization)
• Management and diversification of our in‑house software infrastructure (e.g., CI/CD)
• Dissemination of good software practices (reviews, tutorials, workshops)
• Maintenance of software libraries and infrastructure

Education and experience

Applicants Should Have

• An M.Sc. or PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline
• Several years of experience in software and DevOps engineering
• Team‑player attitude
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

You Bring At Least Two Of The Following Skills

• Expertise in C++ and/or Rust, and Python
• Experience in code optimization and implementing scientific libraries
• Experience in Agile software development
• Experience with DevOps‑related frameworks (Docker, Ansible, Gitlab CI/CD…)

Our offer

The position will be located in the Tübingen site of our institute as part of the Software Workshop team, with possibility for some remote work. Salaries and contract will be based on previous experience according to the Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD) guidelines. This is a full‑time position. The position is initially limited to two years with the possibility of a transition into a permanent position.

Application

To apply, please include in your application a cover letter, your resume, links to code that you have written (e.g., GitHub/GitLab accounts), three references (letters or contact details), and upload it as one PDF file to our application portal.

If you prefer to send a hardcopy application, you may do so. Please address it to:

Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems

Max-Planck-Ring 4

72076 Tübingen

Germany

The position will be open until filled. Preference will be given to the applications received by 30.11.2025.

Contact

For more information or questions about scientific and technical aspects of the position, please contact Jean‑Claude Passy at jean‑[e-mail]. For other questions, please contact Oliver Gäntzle at [e-mail].

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values on our campus and in our recruiting efforts. The institute strongly encourages applications from groups underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Closing dates for applications: 19.12.2025.