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Head of Department "Measurement Technology (MT)" (f/m/x)
Job Description
Req ID:  4781
Place of work:  Braunschweig
Starting date:  01.07.2026
Career level:  Experienced professionals, Managers
Type of employment:  Part time, Full-time
Duration of contract:  zunächst auf 2 Jahre befristet, eine unbefristete Weiterbeschäftigung wird angestrebt

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)
Hint: Security clearance as well as the willingness to security clearance pursuant to §§ 8 ff. Security Clearance Act (SÜG) is a condition for employment at DLR

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 Foundation “German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW)” operates wind tunnels at four sites in Germany and the Netherlands. Our clients come from the fields of research and industry.

What to expect

You will lead the ‘Measurement Technology (MT)’ department at our premises in Amsterdam and Marknesse. The department manages our entire measurement chain, from sensors through signal conditioning to data acquisition. The department employs around 20 specialists in measurement technology and software development, as we also develop our own software for test control, automation and visualisation, tailored to the specific facilities.

Your Tasks

As Head of Department, you are responsible for ensuring the optimal operation of the measurement technology. This includes maintaining operational readiness, deploying and further developing all measurement technology and all control and automation systems at the wind tunnels.

You plan and coordinate the department’s work for the operational implementation of projects in accordance with our quality management system, the development of (new) software and measurement techniques, and ensure coordination between your team and other teams within DNW. You pursue long-term, strategic personnel and succession planning, including knowledge retention and transfer.

You provide input for the budget plan, monitor the progress of your team’s work and make adjustments at the right time. To this end, you always maintain an overview of the available personnel and budget resources and anticipate potential bottlenecks in good time.

Thanks in part to your open and supportive leadership style, the team is able to develop further; team members feel empowered and supported, and achieve the set goals in line with the DNW strategy. You are part of the DNW management team and work closely with the other team leaders. Furthermore, you are involved in strategy development and the continuous improvement of the organisation. You report directly to the directors of DNW.

Your profile

  • A completed university degree (Master’s or Bachelor’s) in the natural sciences (e.g. physics) or engineering (e.g. mechanical engineering, measurement and control engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, physical engineering) or other relevant degree programmes
  • You are a natural leader who, through your enthusiasm for the subject, acts as a role model for colleagues and motivates them. As a communications expert, you handle even difficult situations effectively.
  • In-depth knowledge in the field of analogue and digital measurement and control technology, preferably also in pressure and force measurement technology
  • Knowledge of modern programming languages and operating systems
  • Knowledge in the field of fluid mechanics
  • Proven experience in the disciplinary and technical management of a large group of employees
  • Proven good command of the English language and willingness to learn Dutch

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.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 4781) please contact:

Dr. Holger Mai 
Tel.: +49 551 709 2481 

E-Mail: holger.mai@dnw.aero