DLR is the research center for aerospace and the space agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. Around 10.000 employees conduct joint research on a unique variety of topics in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitization. Their missions range from basic research to the development of innovative applications and products of tomorrow. Cutting-edge research needs excellent minds at all levels - especially even more female ones - to fully develop their potential in an inspiring environment. Start your mission with us.

The Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt - DLR) in Stuttgart, with further research facilities in Cologne, Ulm, Oldenburg and Hamburg, does research in the field of efficient energy storage systems that conserve natural resources, and next generation energy conversion technologies with a staff of 180 scientific and technical employees, engineers and doctoral candidates. The spectrum of activities ranges from theoretical studies to laboratory work for basic research and to the operation of pilot plants. These experimental and theoretical studies are accompanied by systems analysis studies to analyse the associated technological, environmental and economic potential and situate it in a larger overall context of the energy economy by means of scenarios. A tight network with the University of Stuttgart -especially with the Institute of Energy Storage- and with the Helmholtz Institute Ulm at the University of Ulm is existing.

Our department in the field of polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis is currently working on the construction and commissioning of electrolysis test stands. We need you to join our team for the following tasks:

For a future energy economy, energy should be stored emission-free, efficiently and sustainably for long-term use. For this purpose the different methods, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), conventional alkaline electrolysis (AEL) and alkaline electrolyte membrane electrolysis (AEM) of water electrolysis for hydrogen production are suitable. As part of your student work new AEM electrolysis experimental plants will be set up, expanded and operated. You will also have the opportunity to build electrolysis cells and carry out corresponding experiments. The choice of tasks will depend on your needs, also with the support of colleagues and, if possible, taking into account your personal interests and abilities. To enable you to carry out the assigned work flexibly in terms of time, the work is to be carried out in a team with 2 - 3 other students. As a team, you will receive your tasks and assistance from only one person in order to be able to organise your working time as efficiently as possible.

Your subtasks can include

• carrying out and monitoring test series
• construction of electrolysis cells
• literature research on experimental plant design
• component research
• mechanical and electrical construction of new plants
• mechanical and electrical extension of existing plants
• programming and visualisation of system control
• work in the chemistry laboratory (e. g. catalyst synthesis, production of catalyst-coated membrane electrode units)