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Master Thesis on Digital Twin Simulation of UAV RF Communication and Sensing Systems
Job Description
Req ID:  4860
Place of work:  Oberpfaffenhofen
Starting date:  01.07.2026
Career level:  Student research project and final thesis
Type of employment:  Part time
Duration of contract:  6 Monate

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 12,000 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 DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation is dedicated to mission-oriented research in selected areas of communications and navigation. Its work ranges from the theoretical foundations to the demonstration of new procedures and systems in a real environment and is embedded in DLR's Space, Aeronautics, Transport, Security and Digitalization programmes.

What to expect

The Advanced Information Processing Group aims at applying state-of-the-art theoretical results into real-world applications within information processing systems. The expertise of the group ranges from quantum error correction to Smart Data Management, exploring cutting-edge communication theories such as semantic communication and Age of Information, pushing the boundaries of data utilization and dissemination.

Your tasks

  • develop a digital twin platform for RF communication and signal intelligence by integrating NVIDIA Sionna-based physical layer simulation with a drone simulation environment.
  • consider RF propagation, communications protocols and interference, together with flight dynamics, mobility patterns, and environmental factors (e.g., terrain, obstacles, weather) within the platform
  • use the simulator as a data generation and validation tool for AI-based receivers and protocols, allowing controlled experimentation of complex scenarios—such as swarm-based sensing or disaster response—without requiring costly real-world deployments

Your profile

  • Basic knowledge of communication systems or signal processing
  • Interest in machine learning and/or AI methods
  • Programming skills (e.g., Python) and willingness to learn new tools
  • Initial experience with simulations or data-driven methods is a plus
  • Ability to work independently and interest in interdisciplinary topics
  • Good knowledge of English language

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 4860) please contact:

 

 
Dr. Andrea Munari 
Tel.: +49 (0) 8153 - 28 3639