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Internship in Engineering/Physics assisting with integration/testing of satellites
Job Description
Req ID:  858
Place of work:  Oberpfaffenhofen
Starting date:  April 1st, 2025
Career level:  Internship, Student employment
Type of employment:  Full-time, Part time
Duration of contract:  3 to 6 months

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

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.

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; 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 DLR, we develop miniaturized optical communication terminals, several of which are already in Earth orbit, have been and will be demonstrated. The current projects deal with optical communication from space to ground, between two satellites and with the exchange of quantum keys. You will get to know the different phases of the projects – integration of the hardware, performance of functional tests, qualification of the hardware for use in Earth orbit. Your tasks will include supporting individual integration tasks, planning and carrying out tests as well as coordinating these within the team. Multidisciplinary knowledge is required for this position (mechanics, optics, electronics, software 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

  • Operate and integrate mechanical, optical and electrical components.
  • Measure and characterize the performance of optical and mechanical subsystems.
  • Test a fully integrated satellite communication terminal.
  • Assist in planning tests, organize the necessary equipment, and verify that the test goals are met.
  • Optionally: coding scripts to automatize and speed up testing.
  • Ensure laser safety standards for the testing procedures
  • Write reports about the conducted tests.

 

Your profile

  • Extensive multidisciplinary skills.
  • Extensive 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 designing mechanical and optical systems is a plus.
  • Basic experience with Python.
  • Interest in optical communications and motivation to build and test a system that will fly to space.
  • 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 858) please contact:

Dr. Christopher Schmidt
Tel.: +49 8153 28 3091 
Apply now