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RF & Payloads

Internship for optical communication and ground stations (f/m/x)

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

About the role

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

Optical free-space communication systems are a rapidly growing area in research and industry. The development, testing and implementation of new future concepts, particularly in the direction of quantum key distribution and new secure communication and data transmission options, are core tasks of the Optical Satellite Links department. The Optical Ground Station Technologies group at the Institute of Communications and Navigation is responsible for the support and further development of optical ground stations for experiments with laser communication in the air, in space and on land. We are able to establish high-speed optical downlinks between airplanes, satellites and the earth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eecJqy_89I To expand our capabilities to carry out future laser communication projects, we are looking for a student to work with us on the optical ground stations.

Your tasks

  • Assembly and integration of additional and expansion systems for the ground stations (camera and laser systems, side telescopes for special applications, aircraft detection and avoidance systems)
  • Verification and testing of various superstructures and systems
  • Support for test and trial campaigns with satellite terminals, aircraft campaigns and ground-to-ground experiments
  • Operation of telescopes, lasers and support systems (sky monitoring, weather stations, climate management)

Your profile

  • Studies in engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, computer science, technical physics, electronics or similar
  • Interest in space and telescope technology

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 5997 ) please contact:

Johannes Prell

Tel.: +49 (0) 8153 28 - 4542

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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