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Master Thesis Student/in (m/w/d) - Development of an air-cooled fuel cell propulsion system
Job Description
Req ID:  2786
Place of work:  Aachen
Starting date:  15.10.2025
Career level:  Student research project and final thesis
Type of employment:  Full-time, Part time
Duration of contract:  32 Weeks

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

 

What to expect

 

At the Innovation Centre for Small Aircraft Technologies in Würselen, DLR is shaping the future of aviation by researching cutting-edge solutions for electric flight. As part of your master thesis, you will contribute to the development of fuel cell propulsion systems for aircraft, with a focus on air-cooled, open-cathode fuel cell stacks as an innovative option for CS23-category aircraft.

 

Your tasks


Your work will involve a combination of design, computational analysis, and prototyping, followed by experimental validation. You will start with a literature study phase, from which the exact research question for your thesis will be derived. This thesis project offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a highly relevant and scientifically challenging field, contributing directly to the aviation technologies of tomorrow.

 

Your profile 

 

  • Solid knowledge of fuel cell systems in the aviation context
  • Practical experience with prototyping (electronics, control, hydrogen systems)
  • Strong computational analysis skills, particularly in Python
  • Proficient in English (mandatory) or German (optional)
  • Currently enrolled in a Master’s programme at a technical university
  • Able to work from our office in Würselen most days, if living abroad: willingness to move to Germany for the duration of the project

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

 

We look forward to getting to know you!

 

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2786) please contact:

 

Christoph Gentner 
Tel.: +49 711 6862 374 

 
Apply now