Development Engineer or Physicist (all genders) Magnet technology for superconducting accelerator magnets

Area of research:Technical staff

Starting date:30.10.2026

Job description:GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the leading particle accelerators for science. Currently, the new FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) one of the world's largest research projects, will be built in international cooperation. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in this international environment with a team of employees committed to ensuring each day to conduct world-class science.

The “Superconducting Magnets & Testing”(SCM) department is looking at the earliest possible date for a

Development Engineer or Physicist (all genders)

Magnet technology for superconducting accelerator magnets

Reference number: 26.150-6352

The SCM department is responsible for the construction and testing of superconducting accelerator magnets for the FAIR facility, in particular the superconducting quadrupole doublet modules for the new FAIR synchrotron SIS100. In addition to the ongoing construction and integration program, the department is specifically building up expertise in the field of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) for future accelerator magnets and is involved in several national and international projects in this area.

Your tasks:

The position is carried out in close coordination with the project management as well as other specialist departments and areas at GSI/FAIR and includes in particular the following tasks:

• Coordinating the integration of the superconducting SIS100 quadrupole doublet modules: supporting the planning and technical production tracking, definition of test steps and acceptance criteria, and quality assurance in collaboration with manufacturers and project partners
• Structural design of modules and module components in collaboration with the design department, as well as supporting the tunnel installation, including assembly sequences and test processes (electrical integrity, mechanical precision, vacuum tightness, welding procedures)
• Contributing to the definition of the test program for the quadrupole modules under operating conditions, as well as coordinating test execution with project partners, including evaluation of the test results
• Development of magnet technology using high-temperature superconductors (HTS): monitoring the state of the art, contributing to development projects (including within the framework of international research projects), and supporting industry collaborations
• Coordinating interface topics relating to cryogenic supply and technology for the magnet modules as well as machine installation (including module connections in compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive) – acting as the SCM department's point of contact for adjacent specialist departments
• Technical coordination of development processes in international collaboration.

Your profile:

• Degree (M.Sc./M.Eng.) in physics or engineering (e.g., mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, process engineering) or a comparable qualification.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in the development, design, or integration of superconducting magnets, ideally with a focus on high-temperature superconductors (HTS) and in the context of accelerator or large-scale research facilities.
• Experience in leading work packages or (sub-)projects, as well as in coordinating internal and external project partners
• Structured way of working with a high degree of initiative and motivation
• Good teamwork and communication skills
• Fluent English skills, written and spoken; German language skills (B1/B2) are desirable.

Knowledge or experience in the following areas is an advantage:

• In-depth technical knowledge of magnet technology: coil design, mechanical design, cooling techniques, instrumentation, quench detection and magnet protection, electrical operation, electrical integrity (e.g., high-voltage withstand capability).
• Cryogenics (thermomechanics) and low-temperature physics
• Software
• CAD (e.g., CATIA)
• FEM (e.g., ANSYS for thermal and mechanical analyses)
• Knowledge of the Pressure Equipment Directive as well as experience with joining techniques (e.g., welded joints) in plant engineering
• Experience in coordinating test activities.

We offer you a varied, diverse, and challenging role with interesting and varied tasks. Teamwork and a willingness to pursue further training are essential for us. GSI also offers various options for balancing family and career, mobile working, occupational health management services, company social counseling services, Individual training and qualification opportunities, a job ticket, supplementary pension benefits, additional company leisure time, and a company sports club called “Schnelle Ionen” (Fast Ions).

The position is permanent. The salary is based on the TVöD (Bund) collective agreement.

GSI promotes the professional development of women and welcomes women who feel particularly addressed by this job advertisement.

Severely disabled persons with equal qualifications will be given preference.

Further information about GSI and FAIR is available at www.gsi.de and www.fair-center.eu.

If you see the described field of activity as a personal challenge and are interested in working in an exceptional international, highly technical environment, please send your complete application documents, stating your earliest possible starting date and quoting reference number 26.150-6352, at the latest until 27.11.2026 via theonline portal on our website:

Online-Bewerbungsportal

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH

Abteilung Personalmanagement

Planckstraße 1

64291 Darmstadt

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.