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Engineer, physicist: Designer of optical instruments for space applications (m/f/d)
Job Description
Req ID:  4406
Place of work:  Berlin
Starting date:  01.05.2026
Career level:  Experienced professionals
Type of employment:  Full-time, Part time
Duration of contract:  3 Jahre

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 12,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

 

The DLR Institute of Space Research is a world-leading competence centre for optical sensor systems and their use in planetary research, Earth observation and security. In this way, we are expanding humanity's understanding of the formation and development of our planetary system and finding solutions to protect life on Earth. With around 300 employees, we cover the entire development chain from the research idea to the design, construction and verification of instruments and their operational use, right through to the processing, scientific analysis and archiving of the data obtained.

 

What you can expect


One of the tasks of the Space Instruments department is to develop instruments or components for use in space travel. This is primarily done in response to requirements from users in the field of space exploration and earth observation. The development includes the entire process from the instrument concept with the development or utilisation of innovative technologies to the completion of a high-quality flight model.

 

Your tasks

 

  • Development and 3D modelling of mechanical designs of optical instruments for use in space
  • Development of independent ideas for research into novel concepts, processes and technologies with a focus on optomechanics (e.g. for spectrometers with high spectral, radiometric resolution and stability)
  • Constructive and thermal-physical design and optimisation of designs, in particular for focal planes with optical detectors
  • Creation of specifications for procurement and production, supervision of the production of mechanical components
  • Setting up and verification of mechanical-optical test assemblies in the laboratory
  • Integration of optical instruments and their components from prototype to flight models

 

What you bring with you

 

  • Completed scientific university degree (Master's/Diploma) in the field of mechanical engineering, technical physics, aerospace engineering or a comparable degree programme
  • Experience in the field of mechanical design, layout and modelling, as well as manufacturing and integration of assemblies
  • Experience with a modelling tool, preferably CATIA
  • Experience with the integration of electro-opto-mechanical assemblies, as well as thermal, mechanical and optical testing
  • Experience in project execution from the study phase to the production of high quality prototypes
  • Knowledge of relevant aerospace standards (e.g. ESA ECSS, NASA) for the design, manufacture and qualification of mechanical and optical component

 

Depending on qualifications and the tasks assigned, remuneration will be up to pay group 13 TVöD.

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

 

 

 

What we offer you

 

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees in their personal and professional environment. Our numerous training and development opportunities are available to you for this purpose. Equal opportunities are particularly important to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. We give preference to applications from people with severe disabilities if they are professionally qualified.

 

We look forward to getting to know you!

 

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 4406) please contact:

 

Gisbert Peter 
Tel.: +49 30 67055 382