Internship in Engineering assisting with controlling a MPA for a quantum communication test set-up Job Details

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Internship in Engineering assisting with controlling a MPA for a quantum communication test set-up

Job Description

Req ID: 3653

Place of work: Oberpfaffenhofen

Starting date: 01.03.2026

Career level: Internship

Type of employment: Full-time, Part time

Duration of contract: 3 to 6 Month

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 Department of Optical Satellite Links (OSL), inside DLR-IKN, develops and does research on optical satellite terminals, optical ground stations, and related technology. It is engaged in basic and project funded national and international projects dealing with optical communication from space to ground, between two satellites and with the exchange of quantum keys.
You will be involved in the preparation of a test campaign to demonstrate optical free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) between a laser communication terminal and an optical ground station. In particular, your tasks will include the controlling of a Mid-Pointing Assembly, a fast dynamic mirror aimed to compensate for the pointing errors of the terminal, and the definition of a concept to interface it with other dynamic hardware components of the terminal, like a Hexapod and a Fast-Steering Mirror. You will take care of individual coding and control-related tasks, and participate to the planning and carrying out of tests in coordination with the team.
Multidisciplinary knowledge is required for this position (control, software, mechanics, optics, electronics and their interfaces).

We strongly encourage you to send us an application, even if your experience does not quite meet our expectations. Our most important values are motivation and interest.

Your tasks

Control a Mid-Pointing Assembly (MPA~dynamic mirror) as part of a system to demonstrate optical free-space quantum communications.
Interface the MPA with microcontroller unit and other dynamic components (f.e. Hexapod, Fast Steering Mirror).
Code scripts to automatize and speed up testing.
Assist in planning tests, organize the necessary equipment, and verify that the test goals are met.
Operate and integrate mechanical, optical and electrical components.
Write reports about the conducted tests.

Your profile

Knowledge of control theory and microcontrollers.
Experience with Python, Matlab and/or C/C++.
Experience with hardware projects at university, past working positions, or as part of hobbies.
Experience working in a laboratory with delicate equipment and following safety guidelines.
Basic knowledge of optomechanical systems design is a plus.
Interest in optical communications and motivation to build and test a system that will prove free-space quantum communications.
Ability to work independently and in a team.

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 3653) please contact:

Christopher Schmidt
Tel.: +49 8153 28 3091