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Master Thesis (f/m/x): Energy Optimization in sustainable nitrogen production
Job Description
Req ID:  3319
Place of work:  Köln
Starting date:  01.02.2026
Career level:  Student research project and final thesis
Type of employment:  Part time
Duration of contract:  6 months limited

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!

The Institute for Future Fuels researches processes that enable the production of fuels and chemical raw materials using renewable energy sources and resources. The focus is on the use of solar heat and electricity as well as sustainable process management.

What to expect

Start your career with an exciting and interdisciplinary master's thesis in the field of thermal process engineering. Join us developing and optimizing a new way of hydrogen storage by binding the hydrogen in form of ammonia. The nitrogen required for this should be produced sustainably using solar power. You will directly contribute to the project by making the process as energy-efficient as possible.

 

Your tasks

  • familiarization with the process of thermochemical air separation and the state of the art in heat recovery mechanisms
  • development and comparison of concepts for the energetic optimization of the process by means of heat recovery
  • design, simulation, and optimization of components for heat recovery
  • documentation and presentation of your results

 

Your profile

  • current university studies in mechanical engineering, energy technology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering or similar
  • knowledge of and interest in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
  • programming experience (e.g., Python, Aspen Plus) and experience in data evaluation and processing
  • curiosity to learn new simulation tools
  • independence, ability to work in a team and cooperate, interdisciplinary collaboration, commitment and willingness to learn
  • very good verbal and written communication skills in German and English

 

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 5 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

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 3319) please contact:

Dr. Lena Klaas 
Tel.: +49 2203 601 2631