Student (f/m/x):Helicopter Vertical Velocity Control and Landing Automation Strategy for naval decks

German Aerospace Center (DLR); Braunschweig; On-site; EUR 10,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig invites applications for a 6-month internship in the Helicopter Department. You will work on automatic ship deck landings and develop a vertical axis controller in a desktop simulation environment.

We seek a Master of Science student in aerospace engineering, electronics, or mechatronics with strong control engineering and MATLAB/Simulink experience. Knowledge of rotary-wing flight mechanics is desired; you will document results for a final thesis.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics or a comparable degree program.
• In-depth knowledge of control engineering, ideally flight control.
• Knowledge of flight mechanics of rotary-wing aircraft and rotorcraft technology.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, ideally with optimization.

Responsibilities

• Literature review on automatic ship deck landings.
• Development of a vertical axis controller.
• Implementation of touchdown logic and automatic landing on a moving naval ship.
• Implementation in a desktop simulation environment.
• Conduct simulations and evaluate results.
• Document results in a report/thesis.
• Support data collection in AVES Simulator for helicopter ship deck topics.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

Control engineering

Flight mechanics

Rotary-wing aircraft

Data collection

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering (in progress)

Tools

AVES Simulator

Job description

Vacancy-ID: 6175

Place of work: Braunschweig

Starting date: 01.10.2026

Career level: Internship; Student employment; 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.

We in the Helicopter Department 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.

Your Tasks

• Literature review on the topic of automatic ship deck landings
• Development of a vertical axis controller
• Implementation of a decision logic for the touchdown phase and execution of an automatic landing on a moving naval ship
• Implementation in a desktop simulation environment
• Conducting simulations and evaluating the results
• Documentation of the results in the form of a report/thesis
• Additionally, supporting in collection of data in AVES Simulator for related helicopter ship deck topics

Your Profile

• Currently enrolled in a degree program with a first year in Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics or a comparable degree program
• Other specialized knowledge, skills and experience relevant for the job In-depth knowledge of control engineering, ideally flight control
• Knowledge of flight mechanics of rotary-wing aircraft
• Knowledge of helicopter technology
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, ideally with optimization

We offer

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.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6175) please contact: