Master thesis (m/f/d): Techno-economic analysis of sustainable aviation fuel

The DLR is the research center for aviation and space and the space agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. Around 10,000 employees research a unique variety of topics in aviation, space, energy, transport, security, and digitalization. Their missions range from basic research to the development of innovative applications and products of tomorrow. Top research needs excellent minds at all levels who can fully develop their potential in an inspiring environment. Start your mission with us.

What To Expect

The "Techno-economic Analysis" research group at the DLR Institute of Technical Thermodynamics in Stuttgart investigates innovative, sustainable solutions for the decarbonization of aviation. The focus is on the evaluation of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in the context of Power-to-X (PtX) concepts. With increasing global demand for air transport and the urgent goal of climate neutrality by 2045, the development of cost-efficient and environmentally friendly fuels for aviation is a key challenge.

In this master thesis you will analyze the technological and economic potential of SAF production to develop sustainable and scalable solutions for the future of aviation.

Your tasks

• You will simulate and optimize SAF synthesis in process models (e.g. with Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS), taking into account energy flows, material flows and technical limits.
• You will extend an existing techno-economic methodology for the evaluation of SAF production processes in the context of PtX concepts.
• You implement and use internal tools to systematically analyze production costs, energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction potentials
• You carry out sensitivity-based analyses and optimization studies to identify the factors influencing the profitability and sustainability of processes.
• You document your results in a structured manner and present them in reports and presentations.

Your profile

• Completed or currently completing a university degree in the field of energy and process engineering, renewable energies, chemical engineering or a comparable field.
• In-depth knowledge of modelling and simulation of chemical processes with software tools (e.g. Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS).
• Experience in programming and data analysis, especially in Python (e.g. with NumPy, SciPy, Pandas).
• Sound analytical skills and a structured, independent working behavior.
• Good communication and presentation skills, with experience in scientific work.
• Motivation to actively participate in interdisciplinary research projects and develop innovative solutions for sustainable aviation.

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 4474 ) please contact:

Dr. Ralph-Uwe Dietrich

Tel.: