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Scientist as quality assurance manager for the ULTRASAT camera - Job Opportunity at Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Zeuthen, Germany
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 23, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 55,000 - 70,000 annually based on German public research institution pay scales (TV-AVH), with this range reflecting mid-level scientific positions at major research centers. The role's specialized nature in space QA and international mission involvement suggests positioning toward the higher end of this range.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements including variable hours and job-sharing models that provide exceptional work-life balance in a demanding research environment
Hybrid work capability with up to 50% remote work allocation, rare in traditional research institutions
Comprehensive occupational pension provision and health management programs ensuring long-term financial security
Financial supplement for German nationwide transportation pass (Deutschland-Ticket) supporting sustainable commuting
Secure employment with public funding backing and extensive professional development opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic quality assurance initiatives for a cutting-edge space mission camera system that will map the ultraviolet sky and detect gravitational wave counterparts
Establish and maintain critical quality standards for precision space instrumentation that must operate flawlessly in the harsh space environment
Serve as primary quality assurance liaison with international partners and industry contractors, representing DESY's technical standards on a global mission
Oversee quality assurance protocols for specialized infrastructure including clean room environments essential for space-grade component assembly
Participate in comprehensive camera testing procedures that validate mission-critical performance parameters
Contribute to high-stakes mission reviews that determine project milestones and space readiness

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in space engineering, aeronautics, physics, material science or equivalent qualification

Experience

Experience with space projects

Required Skills

Good knowledge of English Willingness to learn German Space project experience Quality assurance expertise International collaboration capabilities
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The space industry is experiencing unprecedented growth with private and government investments reaching record levels, driving demand for quality assurance professionals who can ensure mission success in an increasingly competitive environment. The emergence of mega-constellations and deep space missions has created critical need for rigorous QA processes that can prevent costly failures. Gravitational wave astronomy represents one of the most rapidly advancing scientific frontiers, with recent Nobel Prize recognition and major international collaborations like LIGO driving substantial funding for complementary missions like ULTRASAT. This field combines cutting-edge physics with advanced engineering, creating unique career opportunities. European space agencies and research institutions are increasingly collaborating on international missions, creating demand for professionals who can work across cultural and organizational boundaries while maintaining stringent technical standards.

Role Significance

Typically leading a specialized QA team of 3-8 professionals including technicians, test engineers, and documentation specialists, while coordinating with larger engineering teams of 20-50 people across the camera development project.
This role represents significant responsibility within the ULTRASAT mission hierarchy, serving as the primary quality gatekeeper for mission-critical hardware. The position combines technical expertise with management oversight, indicating mid-to-senior level placement with substantial decision-making authority over quality standards that could determine mission success or failure.

Key Projects

Space-qualified camera system validation and testing protocols that must survive launch stresses and operate reliably in the space environment for multiple years Clean room facility management and contamination control procedures essential for maintaining optical component integrity International partner coordination ensuring quality standards alignment across different organizations and countries Mission readiness assessments and review board presentations that determine project advancement through critical milestones

Success Factors

Deep understanding of space environment challenges and how they impact quality requirements, including radiation effects, thermal cycling, and mechanical stresses that terrestrial systems never encounter Exceptional attention to detail combined with systems thinking ability to identify potential failure modes before they manifest in expensive hardware Strong international collaboration skills essential for working effectively with Israeli mission leaders, European partners, and industry contractors across different time zones and cultural contexts Proven ability to balance rigorous quality standards with project schedule pressures in high-stakes environments where delays can cost millions Technical communication skills for translating complex quality requirements into actionable procedures for diverse teams

Market Demand

High demand driven by expanding space mission portfolios and the critical nature of quality assurance in space applications where failure is not an option and costs of mistakes are enormous.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Space systems engineering knowledge is absolutely essential as quality assurance in space applications requires deep understanding of how components behave in vacuum, radiation, and extreme temperature environments that cannot be perfectly replicated on Earth Quality management systems expertise specifically adapted for space applications, including familiarity with ECSS standards and NASA quality requirements that govern space mission development Cross-cultural communication and project management skills are vital for success in this international collaboration where misunderstandings can lead to costly delays or technical problems

Beneficial Skills

Knowledge of ultraviolet astronomy and gravitational wave science would provide valuable context for understanding mission requirements and quality priorities Experience with European Space Agency procedures and standards would facilitate smoother collaboration with international partners German language skills would enhance local team integration and career advancement opportunities within the German research system Clean room and contamination control expertise specific to optical systems would directly support the camera development quality requirements

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to contribute to humanity's understanding of gravitational waves and ultraviolet astronomy through development of space-based detection systems that will operate for years in the harsh space environment
Direct involvement in an international space mission led by Israel with German engineering expertise, providing exposure to diverse approaches to space system development
Access to DESY's world-class research infrastructure and scientific community, offering unparalleled networking opportunities with leading researchers in physics and space science
Role combines cutting-edge space technology development with fundamental scientific research, bridging engineering excellence with scientific discovery

Career Growth

Advancement to senior technical management roles typically occurs within 5-8 years given the specialized nature of space QA experience and the growing demand for proven space mission veterans.

Potential Next Roles

Mission Systems Manager overseeing entire space mission development programs with budgets exceeding 100 million euros Principal Quality Engineer at major space contractors like Airbus Defence and Space or Thales Alenia Space Technical Program Manager for European Space Agency missions or similar international space organizations Chief Technology Officer at emerging space technology companies leveraging experience in mission-critical systems

Company Overview

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

DESY stands as one of Europe's premier particle physics and photon science research centers, operating world-class facilities that attract international scientists and major research collaborations. With over 2,900 employees and cutting-edge infrastructure, DESY represents the pinnacle of German scientific research excellence.

DESY holds a dominant position in European accelerator-based research, competing directly with CERN and other major international facilities while maintaining unique capabilities in synchrotron radiation research and advanced detector development that make it irreplaceable in the global research ecosystem.
The Zeuthen location serves as DESY's primary center for astroparticle physics and space-related research, strategically positioned near Berlin to leverage Germany's strong aerospace industry presence and proximity to major European space organizations.
DESY maintains a collaborative international research environment where scientific excellence is paramount, offering exceptional intellectual stimulation through interaction with world-leading researchers while providing the stability and benefits of German public sector employment.
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