IWF Graz. Leading Austria into Space. Since 1971
The Space Research Institute (IWF) with about 100 employees from twenty nations, is one of the largest institutes of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW). The institute is located in the Victor Franz Hess Research Center of the OeAW in Graz and hosts eight research groups on the astrophysics of the solar system, exoplanets, and space instrumentation. The IWF also operates a world-leading satellite laser ranging station at the Lustbühel Observatory.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER (F/M/X) in Space Instrumentation
The IWF is looking for a talented and experienced candidate interested in software development and maintenance for various applications in space instrumentation as well as support for its AI/ML activities. The IWF space instrumentation activities focus on developing on-board computers, particle spectrometers and magnetometers. Active mission involvements are the joint ESA/JAXA double probe BepiColombo, ESA’s PLATO mission, which is designed to discover and characterize Earth‑like exoplanets and ESA’s Comet Interceptor aiming on the first close‑up exploration of a pristine, dynamically new comet. The IWF actively implements ML/AI as new technology and tool across all its research groups.
Your Tasks
* Ground‑support software for the testing of space‑qualified instruments: maintenance and development, remote/automated commanding and monitoring, data processing and data visualization.
* Data processing pipelines for ESA space missions: maintenance and operation, incl. leading the completion of the IWF particle spectrometer pipeline on board BepiColombo.
* AI/ML operational project support in form of data engineering and preprocessing as well as test, deployment and maintenance of, for example, a self‑contained, local and autonomous ChatBot framework.
* Maintenance and further development of software for the control of test facilities (e.g. thermal chamber) and the management of the internal database for space‑qualified EEE parts.
* Contributing to IT user support.
Your Profile
* Master degree or Engineering diploma in electrical, computer or software engineering.
* Several years of experience in developing C# and Python software that ideally relates to one or more subject areas defined in the tasks. Additionally, Java experiences would be an asset.
* Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems and related network integration.
* Data engineering experiences will be an asset.
* Strong problem‑solving and communication skills, ability to work in a team, adaptability, interest in continuous learning and strong sense of responsibility as part of our interdisciplinary IWF team.
* Proficiency in English language (spoken and written) is required, and achieving a good level of spoken German will be expected.
Our Offer
The appointment begins as early as 1 February 2026 for initially 3 years, with the option for a permanent position afterwards. We offer an annual gross salary of € 56.764,68, according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (grade N 4/2). Depending on experiences, the salary may be negotiable.
Applications must include (1) a cover letter incl. how existing expertise fit the job tasks, (2) a curriculum vitae in tabular form, and (3) certificates for the full academic record. Please send the application as one PDF file (Job ID: IWF138TEC125). Interviews are planed around 4th/5th December 2025. Inquiries about the position should be directed to gabriel.giono@oeaw.ac.at.
The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
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