Mechanical engineer (m-f-div)

With campuses in both Stuttgart and Tübingen, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) researches the principles of perception, action, and learning in natural and artificial systems that successfully interact with complex environments. The Robotics Central Scientific Facility in Stuttgart serves researchers across the institute in designing, prototyping, and validating novel mechatronic and robotic systems. We are looking for a mechanical engineer to contribute significantly across various projects.

Roles & Responsibilities

This role involves understanding constraints and requirements for integrated mechatronic systems, conceptual modeling and computer-aided mechanical design, selection of materials and components, analysis of structures, knowledge, and experience with tolerance and fits, design for rapid prototyping, documentation and communication for traditional manufacturing, inspection, and validation, as well as documentation and communication with project stakeholders. The work often involves the integration of sensors, actuators, and microelectronics (embedded processors, amplifiers, etc.) into complex mechanical structures. Our small international team works closely with scientists to understand requirements and brainstorm solutions, then utilizes a suite of computer-aided tools to design, rapidly fabricate, assemble, and test potential solutions, which are quickly deployed and validated in the lab. The variety of projects that we conduct makes our work atmosphere highly dynamic and diverse. The Robotics CSF is currently looking for a capable mechanical engineer to increase our fundamental skillset and speed up the overall development cycle.

• Project organization
  • Communicate either as part of a team or directly with researchers
  • Collect, assess, and evaluate requirements and constraints
  • Document progress and results
• Mechanical design
  • Conceptual/iterative modeling
  • Design of mechanical structures for rapid prototyping and/or traditional manufacturing
  • Understanding and implementation of basic structural analysis tools
  • Selection of appropriate material(s)
  • Selection of sourced components
• Prototyping & validation
  • Selection of appropriate manufacturing processes
  • Operation of 3D printing equipment (SLA, FDM, Jetting, etc.)
  • Limited use of “traditional” subtractive-manufacturing equipment (mill, lathe, laser cutter, water jet)
  • Post-manufacturing validation and analysis

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Engineering
• Strong experience in mechanical computer-aided design
• Familiarity with traditional and modern prototyping and manufacturing processes
• Hardware problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work both in teams and independently
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English

Our offer

• Salary and contract will be based on qualifications and previous professional experience according to the Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund) guidelines
• Financial contribution to the job ticket (ÖPNV)
• Affiliation with a daycare center
• Language courses, access to language learning apps
• Company pension plan and group accident insurance
• The position is initially limited to two years. The start date will be discussed individually.

Application

To apply, please include a cover letter, your CV, and relevant certificates in your application. Please upload it as one PDF file to our application portal.

Questions related to this position should be addressed to Dr. Jonathan Fiene, head of the Robotics Central Scientific Facility, at fiene@is.mpg.de.

The position will be open until December 04, 2024.

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. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in its workforce in those areas where they are underrepresented and, therefore, explicitly encourages women to apply.