Engineer, Physicist (m/f/d) - Terrestrial Navigation System

Vacancy-ID: 5929

Place of work: Neustrelitz

Starting date: 01.09.2026

Career level: Experienced professionals; Graduates

Type of employment: Part time; Full-time

Duration of contract: Fixed-term contract for 3 years with the option

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

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 programs.

What To Expect

The Nautical Systems department develops and tests new procedures and technologies for providing shore-based and on-board support for ship navigation. As part of this work, the Maritime Services Working Group is focusing on researching, implementing, validating and standardising the alternative terrestrial navigation system, R-Mode, as well as a robust navigation receiver that can provide position and time information independently of global navigation

satellite systems.

If this is compatible with our operational processes, we would like to offer you the opportunity to carry out part of your work remotely. You can also organise your working hours flexibly, provided you work during core hours.

Your tasks

• Development of radio-based alternative methods for maritime navigation and the provision of time for maritime infrastructure.
• Analysis of existing terrestrial navigation systems to identify potential for development
• Theoretical analysis of the added value of system improvements
• Selection, development, implementation and validation of potential improvements to terrestrial navigation systems
• Implementation of an improved maritime R-Mode navigation receiver
• Conducting maritime measurement campaigns, analysing collected data and comparing it with literature values or theoretical analyses
• Publication of research findings in academic journals

Your profile

• Completed scientific university master degree in natural sciences (physics), engineering (e. g. electrical engineering, communications engineering) or other relevant degrees.
• Theoretical and practical specialist knowledge in the field of radio navigation.
• Experience of working with software-defined radio (SDR) and the Python programming language.
• ndependent, creative and goal-orientated way of working with analytical skills to analyse facts and problems.
• Ability to carry out business trips.
• Good knowledge of written and spoken German and English.

Candidates must be willing to undergo a security clearance check in accordance with the Federal Security Clearance Act. Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 13 depending on qualifikations and assigned tasks.

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 5929) please contact:

Dr. Stefan Gewies

Tel.: +49 3981 480 187

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