Teamlead Distributed Cooperative Systems (f/m/x) - Robotics, computer science

German Aerospace Center (DLR); Bremerhaven; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bremerhaven seeks a lead researcher to drive decision architectures for distributed autonomous systems. You will guide a cross-disciplinary team focusing on AI, robotics, and security-critical applications.

The role emphasizes research leadership, coordination of experiments, and collaboration with industry and government partners to advance next-generation swarms and system-of-systems architectures.

Qualifications

• Completed academic degree in engineering or natural sciences (e.g., computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, physics) or related field.
• Proven experience in developing autonomous systems or AI-based robotics for security-critical applications.
• Strong track record in designing complex experiments, prototypes, and system tests.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and organizational leadership for a dynamic team of software developers, data scientists, and systems engineers.
• Define and manage research and development projects on decision-making in autonomous multi-system environments.
• Develop distributed decision architectures and cooperation strategies for swarms and hybrid systems.
• Coordinate integration with navigation, communication, and sensor networks across teams.
• Prepare field experiments and technology trials with rigorous documentation.
• Present research results at events, prepare funding proposals, and represent work to industry and government partners.

Skills

Autonomous systems

AI-based robotics

Multi-agent systems

Experiment design

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree or diploma in engineering or natural sciences

Job description

At the Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures in Bremerhaven, we research and develop innovative solutions to strengthen the resilience of maritime infrastructures and make them adaptable, safe and sustainable. In close cooperation with partners from research, industry and other maritime security stakeholders, we combine technological innovation with practical expertise and offer you the opportunity to work on pioneering projects.

What to Expect

Research on distributed decision architectures and cooperative swarm strategies for autonomous underwater systems.

From the ocean floor to the skies – shape the connected, autonomous, and robotic systems of tomorrow! Whether under water, on the surface, or in the air – the future of maritime security lies in the intelligent cooperation of distributed systems. Autonomous swarms and system‑of‑systems architectures offer enormous potential – from resilient security applications and adaptive rescue networks to large‑scale environmental monitoring. What truly matters is not only that each individual system functions reliably, but that they act intelligently as a collective.

Join us in developing the next generation of distributed autonomous systems – with a focus on decision‑making, cooperation, and swarm intelligence under water. In our interdisciplinary team, you will work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and security‑critical systems. Your work will center on the research and development of decision architectures and interaction mechanisms for autonomous systems in maritime contexts. You will design new concepts, prototypes, and system architectures, and bring them to life together with your team – both in lab environments and in real‑world deployments at sea.

Your tasks

• Provide technical and organisational leadership for a dynamic team of software developers, data scientists, and systems engineers, focused on decision logic, swarm behaviour, and agent interaction.
• Define and manage research and development projects on decision‑making in autonomous multi‑system environments – above and below the water, on land, and in the air.
• Develop distributed decision architectures and cooperation strategies for swarms and hybrid system‑of‑systems in collaboration with your team.
• Coordinate the integration of your developments with overarching navigation, communication, and sensor networks, working closely with neighbouring teams.
• Prepare and support field experiments and technology trials, ensuring scientific and technical documentation is maintained.
• Present your research results at professional events and conferences, prepare funding proposals, and represent your work to industry partners, government agencies, and international networks.

Your profile

• Completed academic degree (master’s or university diploma) in engineering or natural sciences (e.g., computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, physics), or another discipline relevant to the role.
• Proven experience in developing autonomous systems, AI‑based robotics and/or intelligent multi‑agent systems, for instance gained within the field of security‑critical applications.
• Strong background in the design and implementation of complex experiments, prototypes, and system tests.
• A structured, independent working style and demonstrated scientific or engineering excellence – for example, through a PhD or senior role in a research‑oriented company.
• Relevant experience in guiding scientific and technical work, for example through scientific‑technical management tasks in projects or supervision of theses.
• Many years of experience in working with interdisciplinary teams and/or external partners.
• Very good command of German (spoken and written) and business‑fluent English.

Remuneration will be paid up to pay group 14 TVöD depending on qualifications and tasks assigned.

We look forward to getting to know you!

Questions about this position (Vacancy‑ID 5677) please contact: Dr. Maurice Stephan

Tel.: [phone]