Master Thesis (f/m/x) Automatic Identification of Viewpoints in a Helicopter Cockpit in Real Time

German Aerospace Center (DLR); Braunschweig; In loco; EUR 10.044 - 14.508; Part-time

Descrizione del lavoro

German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig invites Master students to contribute to a research project by developing and evaluating eye-tracking analysis methods in helicopter cockpits. The work relates to VR applications in aviation and supports a final thesis.

The position targets students in aerospace/engineering or computer science, with interest in VR, eye tracking, and measurement tech, and requires German and English language skills.

Competenze

• Enrolled Master student (or advanced Bachelor) in relevant engineering or computer science.
• Interest in Virtual Reality and its aviation applications.
• Basic knowledge in human–machine interaction or eye tracking.
• Independent and structured working approach.
• Good German and English language skills.
• Experience with VR hardware.

Mansioni

• Literature review of existing methods that can be used to analyse eye movements.
• Comparison of the methods identified and evaluation based on the requirements arising from the simulator environment, the intended application and the hardware.
• Concept development and integration of an algorithm for the automatic identification of eye‑tracking points in a helicopter cockpit.
• Conducting a verification study in the simulator, including an assessment of performance and accuracy.
• Documentation of results in the form of a Master’s / student thesis in German or English.

Conoscenze

Eye-tracking knowledge

VR/AR interest

Structured working style

German/English language skills

Formazione

Enrolled Master student (or advanced Bachelor) in Aerospace/Mechanical/CS/EE

Strumenti

VR hardware (Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Varjo, HoloLens)

Flight simulators knowledge

Measurement systems (motion capture)

MATLAB

Python

C++

Unity/Unreal Engine

Descrizione del lavoro

Position Overview

Vacancy-ID: 5643
Place of work: Braunschweig
Starting date: 15.08.2026
Career level: Student research project and final thesis
Type of employment: Part time; Full-time
Duration of contract: 6 Monate
Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Welcome to the Institute of Flight Systems. Our work focuses on the interaction between aircraft configuration, pilots and modern flight system technology. From flight dynamics to unmanned aerial vehicles, from simulation to real flight tests - we analyse, test and develop innovations that will shape the flying of the future. In the Helicopter Department we focus on rotor system and flight system technology for helicopters and other rotorcraft configurations. The goal of these activities is to support the development of new technologies and evaluate them in terms of improving flying characteristics, handling qualities, safety, economic efficiency, environmental compatibility, and mission effectiveness. The department’s work includes system analysis, modeling and simulation of rotorcraft configurations and system components, as well as wind tunnel tests and in‑flight testing.

Responsibilities

• Literature review of existing methods that can be used to analyse eye movements.
• Comparison of the methods identified and evaluation based on the requirements arising from the simulator environment, the intended application and the hardware.
• Concept development and integration of an algorithm for the automatic identification of eye‑tracking points in a helicopter cockpit.
• Conducting a verification study in the simulator, including an assessment of performance and accuracy.
• Documentation of results in the form of a Master's / student thesis in German or English.

Qualifications

• Enrolled Master student (or advanced Bachelor student) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or comparable programmes.
• Interest in Virtual Reality and its application in aviation.
• Basic knowledge in human–machine interaction or eye tracking.
• Independent and structured working approach.
• Good language skills in German and English.
• Experience with VR hardware (e.g., Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Varjo, Microsoft HoloLens).
• Programming skills (Matlab, Python, C++, Unity or Unreal Engine).
• Knowledge of flight simulators or flight systems technology.
• Experience with measurement technology (motion capture, tracking systems).

Offer and EEO Statement

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.