For our location in Zeuthen we are seeking:
Research Engineer (firmware development)
Limited: 2 years, extendable by up to 3 years after evaluation | Starting date: 01.01.2026 | ID: APMA| Deadline: 31.10.2025 | Full-time/Part-time | Remote work possible
DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.
ULTRASAT is a planned space mission mapping the ultra-violet sky. Its primary science objective is to search for counterparts of gravitational wave sources and exploding stars. The mission is led by the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and the Israel Space Agency and is planned to be in orbit by 2028. DESY develops and produces the UV camera for the ULTRASAT mission. The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) is an international observatory to measure gamma rays. DESY is heavily involved in the CTAO construction and contributes for example to the cameras of the Small-Size Telescopes (SSTs).
About your role
In a scientific environment develop and support firmware for highly complex FPGA bas
ed devices for astroparticle physics projects (ground- and space-based); this includes in particular
* Development of implementation scenarios based on scientific requirements
* Designing and simulating firmware for complex FPGAs and microcontrollers
* Implementing and testing prototypes, including error analysis and correction
* Designing, developing and testing hardware-related software in Python, C and C++ for connection to detector data acquisition systems
* Conception and development of hardware test setups, including their design and construction
* Interaction with electronics developers
* Communication with scientists
* Documentation of work results, publication and presentation where appropriate
Good reasons to join
Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work-life balance we offer flexible working hours, variable part-time, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.
About you
Master's degree in electronics, electrical engineering, information engineering, space engineering, physics, or equivalent qualifications
Expertise in FPGA programming
Expertise in hardware-related software programming
Expertise in VHDL, Python and C/C++ programming
Expertise in digital electronic design
Experience with development and tests of FPGA based systems
Experience with space projects is an advantage
Experienced in working creatively and autonomously
Good knowledge of English
Willingness to participate in expert and working meetings abroad, collaborate with international partners
For further information please contact Merlin Barschke at‑7‑or David Berge at‑7‑.
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV and relevant certificates).
We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal
* Apply now
* DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position.
* Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified ( sbv.desy.de ).
You can find further information here
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Human Resources Department | Notkestraße 85 |Hamburg
Phone: