Student placement; f​/m​/d): FPGA Development -Space Optical Satellite Terminals

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.

The Optical Communication Terminals working group within the Optical Satellite Links department develops experimental laser communication systems for optical data links between airborne platforms such as aircraft or satellites and optical ground stations.

Your contributions will help advance innovative satellite technologies for a wide range of topics, including very high‑speed LEO and GEO downlinks, optical inter‑satellite links, Deep Space Communications, support for Earth observation technologies, and much more.

• CubeISL: a project demonstrating optical communication between two Cube Sats in space in 2026
• Cube1G: an extension of the CubeISL terminal with a coarse alignment unit, also flying in 2026
• Qube‑II: a project that will transmit quantum keys from space to the ground in 2026

• Implementation of novel optical communications coding and synchronization standards on FPGAs in VHDL
• Adaptation and integration of existing IP cores for new projects
• Optional: development of scripts for test and verification automation

• Profound experience in VHDL development, writing test benches, etc.
• Experience with the Xilinx Vivado toolchain and Xilinx Zynq boards
• Experience with version control systems (Git)
• Basic knowledge in Python
• Ability to proactively identify and solve problems independently
• English: professional working proficiency

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position Vacancy‑ please contact:

Dr. Christopher Schmidt
Tel.: