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Student in Electrical Engineering/Physics/Computer Science - Optical Satellite Constellations(f/m/d)
Job Description
Req ID:  4679
Place of work:  Oberpfaffenhofen
Starting date:  01.06.2026
Career level:  Internship, Student research project and final thesis
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

We are developing advanced time-transfer technologies for next-generation satellite constellations that are based on coherent optical communication systems. This position will contribute to improving these systems by analyzing and optimizing the analog, digital, and optical stages of the signal chain used for high-precision time transfer. Key system parameters, such as filter bandwidths, cable dispersion and impairments, pulse-shaping functions, and control-loop bandwidths, will be characterized through experiments to quantify their influence on the synchronization stability and communication performance. Additionally, the internship will explore techniques to improve system robustness and precision, such as implementing optimized filtering strategies and other signal conditioning or compensation methods.

Your tasks

  • Investigate and optimize the optical communication system for time-transfer, such as pulse shaping, control loops and filtering
  • Write control software to automatize measurements and control key components
  • Data analysis and visualization of obtained results
  • Assist in laboratory setup, measurement campaigns, and validation of new methods for high-precision time transfer.

Your profile

  • Good programming skills in Python
  • Experience with git, Linux
  • Experience with embedded systems such as microcontrollers (Arduinos, STM32s, …), Raspberry Pis or FPGAs optional
  • Fundamentals on statistics, linear algebra, signal theory, optical transmitters/receivers optional
  • Laboratory experience, ideally involving optical setups, electronics, or precision measurement equipment
  • Good English knowledge
  • Good problem-solving skills

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 4679) please contact:

Carl Valjus
Tel.: +49 (0) 8153 28 2716
Apply now