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Bachelor/Master student in (engineering) physics or similar (m/f/d)
Job Description
Req ID:  4085
Place of work:  Oberpfaffenhofen
Starting date:  01.04.2026
Career level:  Student employment, Student research project and final thesis, Internship
Type of employment:  Part time, Full-time
Duration of contract:  3-6 months

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 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 Quantum Communication Systems (QCS) Group at the Institute of Communications and Navigation is focused on advancing satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). 

To support this development, the group conducts a demonstration. This involves establishing a test link with the Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen (OGSOP), where an Adaptive Optics (AO) system enables coupling in incoming signals into a Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) and a routing system allows selecting designated end-users. Another critical factor in these demonstrations is the analysis of background light which significantly impacts system feasibility.

This work offers the opportunity to contribute to the optimization, integration and operation of the background light measurement system and routing system of the OGSOP.

Your tasks

  • Optimizing and maintaining an existing integrated background light measurement system
  • Operating and collecting data from the background light measurement system to gather measurements under varying conditions (day/night)
  • Integrating and commissioning a routing system, including an optical switch, into the OGSOP infrastructure
  • Monitoring and supporting the operation of the routing system during the demonstration

Your profile 

  • Study direction: (engineering) physics or similar
  • Knowledge in the field of optics
  • Experience with experimental measurements
  • Experience with Python
  • Interest in (satellite-based) optical communication and quantum communication

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 4085) please contact:

 

Florian Moll 
Tel.: +49 8153 28 2876 
Apply now