The Institute of Solar Physics (KIS) is a public-law foundation established by the State of Baden-Württemberg. Its purpose is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics, with a particular focus on solar physics. Current research focuses on dynamic processes in the solar atmosphere, in particular on solar magnetic activity at high resolution in the photosphere and chromosphere, as well as on corresponding numerical modelling based on observational data. In addition, the Institute develops state-of-the-art scientific instruments for solar observations. Together with its partners, KIS operates the German solar telescopes at the Teide Observatory on Tenerife (Spain) and, in particular, GREGOR, Europe’s largest solar telescope. Further information can be found on the Institute’s website at www.leibniz-kis.de.
KIS is currently seeking to hire a
Project and Operations Engineer (m/f/d)
to take responsibility for the structural and technical management of the GREGOR telescope whose technical infrastructure is due to be renewed and modernised over the next two to three years to enable operations to continue until at least 2030. The position is to be filled as soon as possible.
Responsibilities include:
Assess the existing plant operating technology and infrastructure with a view to long-term and autonomous operations of GREGOR, in collaboration with external specialist planners and consultants
Coordinate and oversee the concept development for the GREGOR modernisation project, in close consultation with the OT management team, the foundation Board of Directors and the funding bodies
Support and prepare decisions regarding the concept by drawing up suitable decision-making documents for the Board of Directors, the Foundation Council and the funding bodies
Closely supervise all stages of the concept implementation:
Contribute to the drafting of specifications
Help to ensure compliance with German building law and German regulations on health and safety at work
Assist in the awarding of contracts
Monitor the service performance of contracted companies
Report on, and assist with implementation statements, final acceptance and the preparation of final reports
Take overall responsibility for the observatory site
Your profile:
Degree in engineering with relevant work experience
Several years’ experience in the operation and operational support of large-scale scientific equipment, preferably in a solar observatory setting
Theoretical and practical knowledge of scientific instrument engineering, preferably relating to opto-mechanical or electro-mechanical components
Excellent knowledge and experience in project management and monitoring, including the preparation of project reports
Professional communication skills in challenging international contexts and when working with internal and external parties
Business-level proficiency in English and Spanish
What we offer:
The position is based on Tenerife (Spain) at the Teide Observatory. This is a full-time position. KIS aims at continuing the employment in the position of Technical Director of the Observatory.
The area of responsibility is both challenging and future-oriented, with a creative scope at a successful research institute with international and innovative operations. We offer a wide range of development and training opportunities, including the chance to improve your language skills, an open and constructive working environment, and remunerations commensurate with the role, including the social benefits customary in the German public sector. The institute offers family-friendly working hours and contributes towards childcare costs.
Depending on your qualifications and experience, remunerations will be based on the collective agreement for the public sector in the federal states (TV-L Baden-Württemberg) and will include the social benefits customary in the public sector.
We are a modern research institute with an international focus. Equal opportunities and diversity are of great importance to us. We value diversity and therefore will equally consider all applications, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, religion, or ethnic or social background.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Johannes Heilmann (email: johannes.heilmann@~@leibniz-kis.de) or Mr Mohamed Drah (email: mohamed.drah@~@leibniz-kis.de).
Please email detailed application documents (CV in English language, proof of qualifications, certificates), referring to ‘Project Engineer’ and stating your earliest possible start date, preferably as one single PDF file, to hr@~@leibniz-kis.de.
Application deadline: 14 September 2026