Engineer (f/m/x) - Robust drone and aircraft communications

The Institute of Communication and Navigation, with locations in Oberpfaffenhofen and Neustrelitz, is dedicated to mission-oriented research in selected areas of communication and navigation. These are embedded in the DLR programmes for space, aviation, transport and security.

What to expect

The Communication Systems Department has been playing a leading role in aviation research in the fields of communication, navigation and surveillance for many years (CNS). Aviation is currently undergoing major changes: new radio technologies are being introduced to cope with the increasing volume of air traffic and to support the arrival of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Research into these new systems goes hand in hand with the development of transmitter and receiver prototypes, which we test in measurement campaigns and use to test new techniques in real-life scenarios. In this context, we are looking for you to work with us in the Aeronautical Communications team to research and develop creative solutions for the following tasks.

Your tasks
After familiarising yourself with the aeronautical communication systems we are currently co-developing (DroneCAST for UAVs and LDACS for aircrafts), researching PHY-layer robustness specifically for aviation systems, and getting to know our SDR-based prototypes, you will:

• design and develop new techniques for PHY-layer robustness with a focus on their applicability to DroneCAST and LDACS
• test the developed methods through computer simulations and with SDR-based prototypes
• carry out measurements and experimental flights using the SDR-based prototypes to verify the proposed techniques in real-life scenarios
• publish and present your results in renowned scientific journals, at international conferences and in projects

Your profile

• completed scientific university degree (master's/diploma) in engineering (e.g. electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, etc.) or other courses of study relevant to the position with excellent grades
• very good programming skills, e.g., in Matlab, Python, C++
• expertise in software development and ideally in SDR-based prototypes
• expertise in the field of CNS (communication, navigation, surveillance) for drones and aircraft
• ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, cooperative manner
• very good English skills

The salary is based on qualifications and assigned tasks up to tier 13 TVöD.

 We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 1969) please contact:

Stephan Sand 
Tel.: +49 8153 28 1464