Who we are ...
At the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, the energy transition becomes a reality every day. Our focus topics are: offshore wind energy, hydrogen, test infrastructure and digitization. More than 400 employees – including around 100 students – from over 50 countries work at nine locations in scientific and non-scientific teams on the development of innovative methods to accelerate the expansion of the wind energy and hydrogen economy, minimize risks, and increase cost efficiency. Do you want to join us in shaping a sustainable future?
This team is looking for you...
You will join our »Process Automation and Real-Time Systems« group at our site in Bremerhaven. We automate and operate test benches for the testing of systems and components of wind turbines, electrolyzers, and wind propulsion systems for the shipping industry. For realistic tests, we couple wind turbine real-time models to the devices under test (DUT) using signal-based and mechanical hardware-in-the-loop (MHIL) methods. We also develop tools for automated testing and the postprocessing of measurement data as well as AI methods for use in the wind energy sector, for which we employ an on-premises Kubernetes cluster. At present, our team consists of five employees and several students. We support each other irrespective of our projects and backgrounds. A culture of open exchange and cooperation, even beyond team boundaries and sites, are particularly important to us.
What you will do
These duties await you...
You will advance and maintain the test benches’ automation and graphical user interface solutions, using Beckhoff’s TwinCAT software. In doing so, you will integrate real-time models into the control system and work on the implementation of interface requirements so that the HIL tests can be mapped realistically. This also includes the implementation of the requirements in automation solutions within the scope of industrial projects or specifications from research projects. In addition, you will be involved in software development within the scope of our Kubernetes cluster and projects in which AI/ML methods and tools are employed for the optimization of wind propulsion systems on ships. Is that still not enough?
No two days at work are ever the same!
You will also gather experience in the management of (sub-)projects. You will contribute your ideas and suggestions to project acquisitions and by preparing project proposals and outlines, for example. You will document the findings and results of your scientific work in publications and present them at conferences and specialist trade fairs. Furthermore, you will play an active role mentoring our students and supervising their final theses.
What you bring to the table
What is your specialist background?
You should have completed your diploma or master’s degree specializing in Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Control Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. You already have knowledge in the field of automation engineering (e.g., PLC programming or HMI design), experience in working with MATLAB Simulink, and are proficient in the use of Python or C# (.NET). Do you also have some basic knowledge of classic control technology, modeling, and simulation? Great, then you should definitely keep reading!
Your profile is complemented by...
It would be great if you had a fundamental understanding of wind turbines and model-based control technology as well as knowledge of other programming languages (e.g., C, C++, or Java), but this is not a requirement. So do not worry if you do not have all those skills just yet, you can also get your career off to a flying start with us! Here at IWES, we operate on an international level – a good command of German and English will make your day-to-day work easier.
What you can expect
How would you like to develop?
We support you on your professional journey. Whether personally, professionally, or methodically, we find the right qualification measures for you. It is also possible to be responsible for your own doctorate here. We offer you our full support! Do you want to immerse yourself in additional fields and work independently to drive new topics forward? With us, you get to shape your range of duties actively!
What we can offer you ...
Our flextime and core time system allows you to plan your working day flexibly. In addition, you also have the option to work remotely. Not sure who can look after your children in an emergency? We help by offering emergency childcare. Interested in employee discounts for events, clothes, vacations, etc.? With us, you can select from a varied range of offers and easily take advantage of them for yourself via an app. For sustainable mobility, you can also benefit from the Deutschland-Ticket as a job ticket.
We set store by diversity and equality!
Our open institute culture as well as mutual tolerance and respect ensure that every person feels comfortable with us from the start. We achieve this, for example, through our onboarding program for new employees as well as by raising awareness of and providing training on diversity and equal opportunity issues. We firmly believe that diversity is key to our success. Join us and experience this for yourself!
Eager to learn more?
If you would like to find out more information about the IWES, our research aspects, and your future colleagues, please visit our career website:
https://s.fhg.de/5ei
The position is limited to 3 years. The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis, preferably close to full-time. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.
We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
If you have any further questions, please contact:
Ms. Madeleine Graßmann
People and Development
The entire team is on hand to assist you further.
E-mail: personal@iwes.fraunhofer.de
Phone: +49 471 14 290-230
Only online applications via the portal can be considered.
Please note that we observe the provisions of the valid General Data Protection Regulation when processing applications.
Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems
www.iwes.fraunhofer.de
Requisition Number: 80359 Application Deadline: 07/24/2025