Master Thesis on Mesh Networking for Drone Swarms (f/m/d)

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Master Thesis on Mesh Networking for Drone Swarms (f/m/d)

Job Description

Req ID: 5790

Place of work: Oberpfaffenhofen

Starting date: 01.11.2026

Career level: Student research project and final thesis

Type of employment: Part time, Full-time

Duration of contract: 6 months

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund).

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 12,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

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

The Advanced Information Processing Group aims at applying state-of-the-art theoretical results into real-world applications within information processing systems. The expertise of the group ranges from quantum error correction to Smart Data Management, exploring cutting-edge communication theories such as semantic communication and Age of Information, pushing the boundaries of data utilization and dissemination.

The thesis will focus on the analysis and evaluation of advanced 5G networking protocols to support efficient and reliable communications in drone swarms, considering also the application of ML/RL solutions. Specifically, the use of DECT NR, world’s first non-cellular radio standard to be formally approved as part of the 5G standards by the ITU, will be investigated. The solution enables decentralized protocols in license-exempt spectrum, and can be a fundamental enabler for advanced drone communications.

Your tasks

Familiarize with the physical and MAC layer of the DECT-NR+ standard

Study the application of the solution to drone communications, considering traffic requirements as well as constraints in terms of topology and channel impairments

Evaluate by means of simulations, the protocol operations and evaluate its suitability for mesh networking in drone swarms for selected applications.

Consider the use of machine learning/reinforcement learning solutions to design semantic networking protocols for drone swarms that communicate using DECT NR+

Your profile

Good knowledge of communication systems and signal processing, with particular emphasis on PHY and MAC level protocols.

Knowledge of ML/RL algorithms

Programming skills (C/C++) and willingness to learn new tools

Previous experience with event-driven network simulations is a plus

Ability to work independently and interest in interdisciplinary topics

Good knowledge of English language

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 5790) please contact:

Dr. Andrea Munari

Tel.:

Apply now

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