Student in Electrical Engineering/Physics/Computer Science - Optical Satellite Constellations(f/m/d)

Overview

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