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RF & Payloads

Engineer (f/m/x) - Software development of secure IP-based protocols for satellite communications

German Aerospace Center (DLR) logoGerman Aerospace Center (DLR)OberpfaffenhofenPosted today

About the role

The Institute of Communications and Navigation, with sites in Oberpfaffenhofen and Neustrelitz, is dedicated to mission-oriented research in selcted areas of communications and navigation. These are embedded in the DLR programmes on space, aviation, transport and security.

What to expect

One area of work within the Satellite Networks Division is the ‘Integrated Satellite Systems’ research group, which focuses on the design and development of new concepts for secure satellite-based communication systems and their integration with other systems, taking an application-oriented approach. As a member of the group, you will be responsible for independently and accountably carrying out tasks relating to the development of complex protocols and algorithms for satellite constellations, with a specific focus on protocol security for IETF-based technologies (e.g. TCP, IP, QUIC, HTTP, etc.). In addition, you will be required to carry out a vulnerability analysis of the protocols used for ground-to-space and space-to-space communications, as well as an analysis of potential threats at the satellite payload level with regard to the on-board instruments, processing functions and the general architecture of the spacecraft.

Your tasks

  • Protocol and software development for secure IP-based communication in satellite constellations
  • Technical point of contact in the areas of novel, efficient algorithms, protocols and software systems for satellite communications, system modelling and system simulation
  • Conceptual planning, development and implementation of new and challenging research tasks in the field of complex protocols and algorithms for satellite constellations
  • Carrying out performance simulations and validating the results obtained
  • Application of research findings and implementation in national and international projects
  • Analytical evaluation of the results obtained and publication in scientific journals and at conferences

Your profile

  • A completed academic degree (Master’s/Diploma) in engineering (e.g. electrical engineering, information technology or telecommunications) or other relevant degree programmes
  • Practical research experience (at least 2–3 years) in the design and implementation of secure IP protocols and corresponding validation in the laboratory, e.g. gained through a PhD or other proven research activities
  • Extensive knowledge and many years of professional experience in the field of telecommunications engineering, particularly in the area of communication networks
  • Excellent knowledge and extensive experience in the field of cybersecurity, protocol design and secure IP-based protocols for satellite systems, i.e. IPsec, QUIC, TLS, SSL, etc.
  • Excellent knowledge of C++ combined with extensive professional experience in the fields of software engineering, communication protocols and network simulation / system simulation
  • Excellent command of English

Remuneration depends on qualifications and job assignment up to pay grad 14 TVöD.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 5263 ) please contact:

Dr. Sandro Scalise

Tel.: +49 8153 28 2856

Copied from the listing German Aerospace Center (DLR) published, verified 31 Oct 2026.

About German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Germany's aerospace research centre and space agency, hiring engineers, scientists and students at its space institutes.

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