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Student (f/m/x) for Measurement, automation and component control for optical transceiver stages
Job Description
Req ID:  6113
Place of work:  Oberpfaffenhofen
Starting date:  01.11.2026
Career level:  Internship, Student research project and final thesis, Student employment
Type of employment:  Part time, Full-time
Duration of contract:  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 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 Optical Technologies for Satellite Links Group conducts research in the field of high-speed optical satellite links and transceiver development. This encompasses topics ranging from research into atmospheric turbulence and signal processing techniques to the development of high-speed communication technologies and systems. The Group’s focus is on the development of theoretical models and concepts, as well as their practical experimental validation. The Group also works on the implementation and experimental validation of PNT-related functions for time transfer at the picosecond- and millimetre-scale, towards future GNSS developments and improved synchronisation properties of optical satellite links for the upcoming 6G systems.

 

Your tasks

You will work in our laboratory for optical satellite links on the characterization and automation of individual components and functions of an optical transceiver. Depending on your focus and the duration of your stay, your responsibilities will include the following:

 

  • Characterization of optical transceiver stages including the laboratory setup
  • Automation of recurring measurement procedures to establish reproducible measurement routines
  • Development and documentation of Python-based routines for controlling individual components of the transceiver stage (e.g. laser unit, electro-optical phase modulator and integrated coherent receiver) — including serial communication as well as open-loop and closed-loop control
  • Commissioning and verification of the developed functions on the optical laboratory setup
  • Documentation of software, measurement procedures and results

 

Your profile

  • Ongoing Bachelor's or Master's studies in electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, mechanical engineering, software engineering or a related field
  • Experience in programming with Python
  • Basic knowledge of object-oriented programming
  • Interest in experimental laboratory work and measurement technology
  • A structured, careful way of working and enjoyment in familiarizing yourself with new topics
  • Experience with C++ or MATLAB, in designing graphical user interfaces and with version control (e.g. Git) are Beneficial but not required

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 6113) please contact:

 

Sebastian Schmerberg
Tel.: +49 (0) 8153 28 4342