▾R&D: Computer science

„Connecting the dots“

FIELD OF STUDY: Mechanical engineering | NOW: Institute for AI Safety and Security

R&D: Computer science

Coding, analyses and IQ – your first step into research

Computer science, data science, computational engineering – your expertise is in demand at DLR. In order to achieve our ambitious goals in Research and Development – both in space and on Earth – we rely on state-of-the-art software solutions and highly qualified experts. And that’s why we're looking for you.

Projects at DLR provide variety and collaboration on exciting topics. We break new ground – every day. Do you want to be a pioneer like us?

Tamon Nakano, for example, is breaking new ground at the DLR Institute for AI Safety and Security. There, he optimises physical simulation tools with the help of artificial intelligence. In this way, he is making machine learning algorithms more accessible and user-friendly for colleagues who are conducting research into fluid dynamics, aeroacoustics or combustion processes. Tamon hopes that a combination of different approaches will lead to both synergies and new discoveries. His international experience and contacts also come in handy to achieve this.

Here are some of the questions we investigate:

• How do we develop systems engineering solutions for future autonomous transport systems?
• How do we programme reliably functioning software for flight simulators or robot control?
• How do we create the first operational, programmable quantum computer in Germany?
• How do we systematically develop AI methods and technologies in order to prove the correctness of their algorithms and be able to predict and explain their components? How does the algorithm arrive at this solution and why does it suggest it?
• How can we simulate 3D printing processes to optimise the additive manufacturing of rocket engines for green fuels?
• What is needed to embed data management best practices in different environments? Which tools will help users in their daily tasks?

Daniel Schenk is completing a master’s degree in Computational Science and Engineering. As a student assistant at our Institute of Software Technology, he is working on a software programme to support the use of satellite servicing robots in Earth orbit. To do this, he works primarily with Unreal Engine 5. To do this, he works primarily with Unreal Engine 5. Daniel has to familiarise himself with many tools and gains valuable practical experience in the process. Constantly learning about new technologies from the application is a daily motivation for him: "I look forward to knowing more after work than I did before."

• The unique infrastructure of a research organisation
• Space for high-quality scientific work
• A well-equipped workplace
• An open and motivating working environment
• Home office and remote working
• Socially relevant projects and goals
• Personalised further training opportunities
• A stable and secure workplace
• Stability, company pension scheme and other benefits of a public organisation

Tobias Haase is constantly coming into contact with new, highly specialised technologies at the Center for Lightweight-Production-Technology (ZLP) in Augsburg, a department of the DLR Institute of Structures and Design. The computer scientist uses these technologies to network robot systems, for example. This involves developing a common infrastructure through which all systems can exchange data. Where do his results find application? Primarily in aircraft manufacturing. Tobias not only encounters new technologies, but also ideal conditions: “Working at DLR is special because it allows me to realise my own concepts and ideas and conduct research with many degrees of freedom.”

Computer science is used in all DLR research areas. These institutes & facilities have a special focus on this area:

• Institute of Software Technology
• Institute of Data Science
• Institute of Quantum Technologies
• Institute of Software Methods for Product Virtualization
• Institute for AI Safety and Security
• Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing
• Institute of Systems Engineering for Future Mobility
• Galileo Competence Center