Engineer (f/m/x) - Adaptive Optics Technologies for Free-Space Optical Communication

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR); Weßling; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) invites applications for a research role in the MAI group within the Optical Satellite Links Department, focusing on next-generation AO systems for FSOC. You will develop simulation tools, real-time control software, and oversee observational campaigns with satellites.

The role requires a Master’s degree or PhD in engineering or physics, strong optics background, and 2–3 years in wavefront sensing.

Qualifications

• A completed academic degree in engineering or the natural sciences.
• A PhD or several years of relevant professional experience in optics, preferably adaptive optics.
• Excellent knowledge of optical technology and optical systems; understanding atmospheric turbulence.
• 2–3 years of experience in wavefront sensing techniques and optimization of control software.
• Fluent programming in Python and C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop new wavefront acquisition techniques and optimize AO control software.
• Simulate adaptive optics systems under atmospheric turbulence.
• Develop control methods using wavefront sensing for real-time AO systems.
• Design and optimize AO systems for ground-based optical stations.
• Conduct experimental verification and validation of system performance.
• Manage international scientific projects in FSOC-related optics research.

Skills

Wavefront sensing

Adaptive optics

Python

C++

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in engineering/physics

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

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

The ‘Mitigation of Atmospheric Impairments’ (MAI) research group is part of the Optical Satellite Links Department and is currently developing next-generation adaptive optics (AO) systems for FSOC. In particular, MAI has recently integrated an advanced AO system into the OGSOP Coudé laboratory. Your role will be to work with us to further develop such systems. This includes the further development of simulation tools and theoretical foundations, the optical design and assembly of measurement equipment for both laboratory experiments and in-orbit demonstrations, the development and integration of real-time control software, and the management of observational campaigns in the sky as part of complex connections with satellites.

Your tasks

• Development of new wavefront acquisition techniques and the resulting opti-misation of the control software for AO
• Simulation of adaptive optics systems, taking atmospheric turbulence into ac-count
• Development of control methods using wavefront sensing techniques for real-time AO systems
• Design, conceptualisation and optimisation of AO systems for installation and operation at ground-based optical stations
• Experimental investigation (verification and validation) of system performance
• Acquisition, management or sub-project management of international scien-tific projects in the field of FSOC

Your profile

• A completed academic degree (Master’s, University Diploma) in engineering (e.g. aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, communications engineering, computing) or the natural sciences (e.g. physics) or other degree programmes relevant to the role
• A PhD or several years’ (min. 2–3 years) relevant professional experience in the field of optics, preferably in adaptive optics
• Excellent knowledge and many years of experience in general optical technology and optical systems, as well as the causes and effects of atmospheric turbulence
• Min. 2-3 years of experience in the field of wavefront sensing techniques and the optimisation of corresponding control software
• Excellent knowledge and experience of programming languages (Python, C++)
• Experience in planning and managing scientific research projects is desirable

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

We look forward to getting to know you!