Embedded & Systems Software Developer for PETRA IV

Limited: 2 years | Start: 01.01.2027 | ID: FSMA045/2026 | Deadline: 08.11.2026 | 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.

The DESY Photon-Science Detector Group designs and builds innovative and state-of-the-art X-ray cameras for us in a variety of scientific experiments, in Hamburg and world-wide. We are developing new high-speed cameras for an upcoming major upgrade to our X-ray facilities, PETRA-IV, and improved software is required for camera control, data handling, and interfacing to users and the facility's systems. We are looking for a software developer to work on these tasks together with our experts in detector engineering and scientific computing.

With the PETRA IV project, DESY is launching one of the most ambitious and innovative large-scale research projects worldwide. PETRA IV, the most brilliant synchrotron radiation source of the next generation, will be the ultimate 4D X-ray microscope, setting new standards in precision and performance. To implement the project, we are looking for motivated employees who want to get involved in a complex project with international appeal. More information about PETRA IV: PETRA IV

About your role:

• Developing software for controlling and configuring a large camera system consisting of multiple units
• Developing a system for receiving detector data at high speed on a set of data acquisition PCs, in collaboration with experts in hardware acceleration
• Developing the interfaces between the X-ray camera and the facility's control and scientific computing systems

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.

Limited: 2 years

About you:

• Master's degree in software engineering, computer science or equivalent
• Experience with embedded and/or systems programming
• Experience with both Python and a lower-level language (preferably C++)
• Good standard of English
• Good team player, and the ability to work effectively with experts in other fields (firmware developers and detector engineers)
• Experience with high performance computing
• Experience with high-speed networking

For further information please contact David Pennicard at +49 40 8998-4544 ([email protected]).

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV and relevant certificates).

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:

DESY promotes equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We therefore welcome applications from people of all dimensions of 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 and those with equivalent status will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).

You can find further information here:

https://www.desy.de/career/apprenticeship/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Personalabteilung

Notkestraße 85

22607 Hamburg

Phone: +49 40 8998-3392

Deadline for applications: 09.11.2026