Software Engineers (all genders)

Deutsches Klimarechenzentrum GmbH; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Remote work options

Job summary

The German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ) in Hamburg seeks Software Engineers to design, build, and operate data services enabling scientists to access petabyte-scale climate model data. You will develop federated catalogs, containerized services, and cloud-native access across international collaborations.

We value Python, distributed systems, Docker, Kafka, NetCDF, Zarr, and STAC experience. Join an international team with travel opportunities and flexible/remote work options.

Qualifications

• University degree in Computer Science, Geoscience, or related field.
• Strong interest in modern technologies and innovative software.
• Excellent software engineering skills, especially in Python, scripting, and open-source development.
• Hands-on experience with distributed systems and Kafka.
• Knowledge of containerized services (Docker) and large-scale climate data formats.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operate data services for climate model data at petabyte scale.
• Design federated data catalogs and data access services across disk, cloud, and tape storage.
• Collaborate with international partners to deploy cloud-native data access tools.
• Implement event-driven systems using Kafka and manage distributed analysis workflows.
• Strengthen DevOps practices with Docker deployments and CI/CD pipelines.

Skills

Python

Distributed systems

English communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Geoscience, or related field

Tools

Docker

Apache Kafka

NetCDF

Zarr

STAC

S3 / Cloud environments

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

The German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ) is the central simulation and data processing facility for the German climate and Earth system modelling community and is one of the leading facilities in this area. DKRZ not only operates upercomputers in the highest performance class and one of the largest data and archive systems worldwide, we also participate in many national and international projects aiming to improve the software and infrastructure for climate modelling.

Job Opening: Software Engineers (all genders)

DKRZ is offering positions for people who want to help shape the future of climate data infrastructure and enable scientists to make full use of the coming wave of high-resolution climate model data generated in Germany and across Europe. The goal is to transform these data into robust, policy-relevant information for climate research, assessment, and decision-making. As we enter a new era of kilometer-scale climate modelling, major European flagship projects are redefining how scientific data can support IPCC assessments and inform international climate policy. To support the development and operation of new climate model data exploitation services as part of several European projects, the Data Management and Data Analysis departments of DKRZ are looking for Software Engineers (all genders). In this role, you will help design, build, and operate cutting-edge data services that make vast volumes of climate model data - at the petabyte scale - accessible to the international climate science community. The focus of the position is on developing innovative data access and catalog services to provide seamless access to data across disk, cloud, and tape storage. At the core of this work is a centralized data catalog integrated into a globallyfederated data infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Federated Data Services: Develop and operate federated data catalogs based on standards such as STAC.
• Service Design & Deployment: Design, deploy, and maintain containerized data services in modern distributed environments.
• European Collaboration: Work closely with international partners to architect federated data services, including data catalogs integrated with message queues for ingestion and cloud-native data access services.
• Event-Driven Infrastructure: Implement and run event-driven systems with technologies such as Apache Kafka to enable efficient data flows across the European climate data infrastructure.
• Distributed Analysis Workflows: Design and build interactive and asynchronous analysis workflows on distributed computing infrastructure.
• Archive Access Services: Create and maintain asynchronous access layers for transparent retrieval of large-scale climate data from tape-based archives.
• Operations & DevOps: Strengthen service operations through centralized DevOps practices, including Docker-based deployments and CI/CD pipelines, to provide reusable components for international Tier sites.

Qualifications / Your Profile

• You have a university degree in Computer Science, Geoscience, or related field.
• You have a strong interest in modern technologies and innovative software.
• You have excellent, proven software engineering skills, especially in Python, scripting, and collaborative / open-source software development.
• You have hands‑on experience with distributed systems and messaging technologies such as Apache Kafka.
• You bring practical knowledge in the deployment and operation of containerized services, for example with Docker.
• You are familiar with handling large‑scale climate or geospatial datasets, including data formats such as NetCDF and Zarr.
• You have an understanding of data catalog and metadata systems, including concepts such as indexing, cataloguing, and STAC.
• You are motivated to explore and apply modern technologies in distributed climate data infrastructures, including S3 / cloud environments, Docker, Python-based AI and data analysis tools, and message queue systems.
• You enjoy working in an international team and are open to travel.
• You have strong communication skills in English; German is a plus.
• You are a team player with strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary and international environments.
• Even if you do not meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply if this role excites you and you believe you can make a strong contribution to the establishment of a new climate data infrastructure in Europe.

How we work

• Utilizing agile methodologies like Scrum / Kanban, engaging in pair programming, conducting code reviews, and practicing test‑driven development.
• Working collaboratively in small teams, embracing new technologies, and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
• Flexible working hours in our modern office located in the heart of Hamburg or remote work options
• Collaboration with world‑leading experts in climate modelling, climate data infrastructure, and European research services.

Duration and Work Plan

The position is based at the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ) in Hamburg. Job start as soon as possible and the position is offered for a fixed-term of 3 years. Payment will be in accordance with the German public service positions (TVöD-Bund according to the applicant's qualification), including extensive social security plans. The conditions of employment follow those of the German civil service.

Application Process

In your cover letter, please highlight your experience and qualifications related to software engineering & management, data coordination, and climate science research, if applicable.

Deadline for Applications:

Applications will be accepted until May 10th, 2026. Join us at DKRZ to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of climate and Earth system modeling through advanced data handling and optimization techniques. Together, we can drive forward the science of climate change through technological progress, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.