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Research Software Engineer (f/m/x)
Job Description
Req ID:  2548
Place of work:  Jena
Starting date:  01.10.2025
Career level:  Experienced professionals
Type of employment:  Full-time
Duration of contract:  3 years

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 11,000 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!

At the Institute of Data Science in Jena, we are working on making the data backbone a reality for all DLR application areas (aviation, space, energy, transportation, security). To this end, we develop and research methods in interdisciplinary work with a focus on applications such as sustainable and circular processes, resilient supply chains, data-driven value chains or robust decision support. The methods developed in this way are applied in cooperation with other DLR institutes and external partners, either as part of joint projects or as part of technology transfer activities.

 

 

What to expect

The focus of the DLR Institute for Data Science in Jena is on developing solutions to address the new challenges of the digitalization era. The research is centered around the areas of data management, data analysis, and data acquisition. In line with the institute’s thematic orientation, three departments have been established. The Department of Data Analysis and Intelligence develops and applies methods that enable the analysis of complex and large datasets.

 

The position is intended to enhance scientific knowledge in the field of data-driven methods through the development of research software. This constitutes applied research.

 

Your tasks

  • design and implementation of software-based data analysis methods, including machine learning, causal inference, and traditional approaches
  • familiarization with current research, particularly in computer vision and edge computing; development of a custom solution concept for data-driven analysis (e.g., SLAM)
  • design of back-end architectures for mobile applications
  • development of a data processing pipeline, including interfaces to databases for data import/export
  • design of a software package to integrate group-developed algorithms for external use
  • further development of research software for demonstration purposes or external distribution of prototype solutions
  • iterative refinement of concepts based on test results

 

Your profile

  • completed academic degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or another relevant field
  • proficient in GNU/Linux and Bash
  • several years of programming experience (at least one compiled language, ideally C++; at least two scripting languages, ideally Python and JavaScript)
  • several years of experience in back-end development, particularly with databases and APIs
  • extensive knowledge of software engineering best practices (coding standards, design patterns, testing, documentation, etc.) and in optimizing existing code for performance and efficiency 
  • knowledge of computer vision, edge computing, and on-device processing
  • excellent written and spoken communication skills in German and/or English

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 2548) please contact:

Christian Thiel 
Tel.: +49 3641 30960 128