Quality and Product Assurance Engineer (m/f/d)

Quality and Product Assurance Engineer (m/f/d)
Scientific and Technical Assistance
Göttingen
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Job Code: Planeten: QA-Engineer-Krupp-10/26
Job Offer from October 23, 2026
The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen is one of the world's leading research institutions in the fields of solar physics and planetary research, with approximately 300 employees. The interdisciplinary research focus lies in the investigation of the development, diversity, and dynamics of planets, moons, small bodies, the sun, and solar-like stars. MPS develops and operates scientific instruments for current and future space missions (e.g., ESA, NASA) and conducts cosmochemical laboratory investigations of meteorites as well as numerical modeling on state-of-the-art supercomputers.
For the development of a plasma spectrometer to be flown on the ESA M7 mission "Plasma Observatory" PMO, the institute is looking for a
Quality and Product Assurance Engineer (m/f/d)
.
This position is subject to financing that has not yet been confirmed. As a Quality and Product Assurance (QA/PA) Engineer, you will be part of the R&D team and support the development of hardware for space applications, as well as its testing, qualification, and documentation, to ensure compliance with applicable quality standards. You will work closely with the project team and external partners.
Your tasks
Monitor and document the compliance of applicable product and quality assurance standards for all parts and procedures used in the project
Contact for ESA and Spacecraft prime in all QA/PA questions related to the plasma spectrometer in coordination with the instrument PI and project manager
Support environmental tests of the plasma spectrometer
Your qualification
College degree (Master’s or equivalent) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
Work experience in product and quality assurance, ideally in connection with aerospace projects
A good understanding of product and quality assurance standards, as well as their application, implementation, and maintenance
Knowledge of the standards used in the aerospace industry (ECSS, ESCC, MIL)
Experience in material and process qualification, evaluation and approval of EEE components, radiation effects and analysis, reliability and availability analysis, and FMEA
Experience with cleanliness requirements related to the development of space instruments
Experience in defining, implementing, and maintaining quality management systems in accordance with ISO 9001, EN 9100, or IATF 16949
You should have
a meticulous, detail-oriented, and structured way of working
a strong commitment to quality, accuracy, and reliability
the ability to take requirements seriously and follow them through with care
a proactive mindset and a strong sense of ownership
confidence in identifying issues early and addressing them constructively
the ability to support high standards in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment
strong communication skills and a cooperative working style
fluent English skills, both written and spoken
good command of German, sufficient for effective day-to-day communication
Experience in space projects (ESA, NASA, etc.) is an advantage
Additional information
The position requires citizenship to allow access to ESA, CNES and spacecraft prime facilities as well as travel to the USA
The full-time position can be filled starting 4 Jan 2027 or later. Employment is initially limited in time until the end of 2030, with a possible extension if the project will be continued and if funding will be available
The position is rated in accordance with the Public Service Act (TVöDBund) as EG 13
Temporary teleworking can be negotiated
Social security benefits are in accordance with the public service regulations
End date for application is 30 October 2026
As a scientific institution, the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research offers an attractive international and sophisticated environment with the possibility of implementing one's own ideas and concepts. Moreover, we offer opportunities to reconcile work and family as well as health promotion.
Application
We look forward to receiving your informative application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, training and employers' references (if available)). Please submit these via our
digital application portal
. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
Olaf Roders
.
The Max Planck Society endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity. 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. 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.