The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching (near Munich), Germany, is a world-leading institute for developing and operating state-of-the-art astronomical instruments. Over the past years, MPE has been leading the international development of several major space- and ground-based instruments, including XMM-Newton, Herschel, eROSITA, EUCLID, GRAVITY VLT ESO telescopes, the ARGOS laser guide star for the LBT.
Within the framework of the next large ESA space mission ATHENA, MPE is the lead Institute responsible for the WFI, one of the two instruments aboard the X-ray mission, and leads the international consortium responsible for the WFI development. The sensor-adapted frontend ASIC is being optimized and further developed for the analogue signal readout of the active pixel sensor, which is based on the unique Silicon DEPFET technology.
At the earliest date possible, we are looking for an ASIC Developer (m/f/d) for the ATHENA-WFI satellite project.
Job Code: 17/2023
Your tasks
- Design and layout of analogue and digital circuits (as part of further development).
- Simulation and optimisation of the mixed-signal ASIC design.
- Coordination of ASIC development and manufacturing with international project partners.
- Top-level integration of various circuit elements and tape-out preparation including chip submission.
- Operation and test of the ASIC including evaluation and documentation of the results.
- Support of system tests on detector level.
- Collaboration with the WFI team and international partners.
Your qualification
- A completed scientific university degree (M.Sc. or Dipl.-Ing.) in the field of electrical engineering and communications technology or an equivalent qualification.
- Experience in the field of IC design, layout and simulation as well as chip tape-out is required.
- Knowledge in the field of measurement technology and PC-supported data acquisition is an advantage.
- Knowledge in the field of signal processing and filtering for noise suppression is desirable.
- The ability to work independently on projects and in a team.
- Ideally, you enjoy working your way through challenging topics and already have experience in development projects.
Our offer
- A versatile, challenging and autonomous job in a dynamic and culturally stimulating international research environment in the development of satellite instrumentation.
- Interdisciplinary work in a family team with experienced engineers and physicists.
- Needs-oriented training opportunities.
- Fair payment according to your qualifications and professional experience in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD).
- Company pension scheme (VBL).
- Family service at the Garching research campus.
- Underground station U6 directly in front of the institute.
- Canteen in the immediate vicinity.
- Reduced rates for certain insurance policies.
- Free parking on the institute grounds.
The full-time position is initially limited until 31 December 2024 due to the current project phase. Further employment beyond this date is planned.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
Your application
Applicants should submit their documents including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and certificates (in PDF format) via our application portal by 06 August 2023.
Late applications may be considered if the position has not been filled.