Working Student in Test & Instrumentation

About Hades

Hades is a modern resource extraction company on a mission to transform how the world accesses critical resources and energy. Founded in 2025, we’re developing ultra-deep laser drilling technologies that push the limits of what’s possible underground. Based in Munich, we’ve raised over €20M in funding from leading European resilience investors including HV Capital, Headline, Project A and Visionaries Tomorrow. We’re now building a world-class team to bring this vision to life.

The Role

As a Working Student in Test & Instrumentation, you will help design, build and operate the test benches that characterise, calibrate and qualify the Hades sensor suite. You will own real bench subsystems and test series. Your data decides which sensors go into the drilling system.

You will work hands-on in our Munich lab with our electronics, optics, mechanical and software engineers. The role is aimed at master’s students in their final semesters.

Responsibilities

• Build and wire sensor test benches, including signal conditioning, cabling, grounding and shielding, and safety interlocks
• Characterise sensors for temperature, pressure, flow, strain, vibration and optical power: accuracy, linearity, noise, drift and response time
• Calibrate sensors against reference instruments and estimate measurement uncertainty
• Run environmental tests such as thermal cycling, pressure and vibration to check sensors and their electronics hold up in the field
• Automate test sequences and data processing in Python, and keep test data organised and traceable
• Evaluate test results, compare sensor options and present findings to the engineering team
• Document bench setups, test procedures and calibration records
• Support sensor validation on drilling rigs and in the field when campaigns allow

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a master’s programme in Electrical Engineering, Measurement Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics or a related field, ideally in the final semesters
• Hands-on experience from lab work, student teams (e.g. Formula Student, rocketry, robotics) or your own projects
• Solid basics in sensor technology, signal conditioning and measurement uncertainty
• Good Python skills for automation and data analysis; experience with NI hardware/LabVIEW, other DAQ systems or microcontrollers is a plus
• Confidence in the lab: reading schematics, wiring, soldering, and working with oscilloscopes, multimeters and power supplies
• Careful, reproducible way of working and clear documentation
• A plus: optical sensors (photodiodes, pyrometers, fibre-optic sensing), harsh-environment testing, or laser safety training
• Evidence of exceptional ability, such as top-of-class academics, ambitious side projects, competition or hackathon wins or equivalent
• Excellent written and spoken English; German is a plus
• Available from now for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, with more possible during semester breaks, on-site in Munich

Why Hades?

At Hades, you'll be part of a high-growth, high-impact deep-tech startup making a tangible difference. Our mission is critical: to secure sovereignty for Europe through the responsible and efficient extraction of vital materials and energy. We offer:

• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to solving global challenges related to resource scarcity and energy independence.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work at the forefront of ultra-deep drilling, leveraging advanced engineering and innovative approaches.
• Growth Potential: Join a rapidly expanding company with significant opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Dynamic Environment: Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial setting in the heart of Munich.
• Purpose-Driven Mission: Be part of a team dedicated to a sustainable and secure future for Europe.

What we offer

• An opportunity to make a huge impact on the future of Europe by increasing resilience and providing a path to resource and energy sovereignty
• A human-centered company culture with super nice and supportive colleagues
• A great sense of community through team events and fun in and outside the office
• Highly competitive compensation and benefits package

If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and contributing to a more sustainable future, we encourage you to apply now.