Discover new horizons with us at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), where 11,000 bright minds combine their knowledge, talent and research to shape the future together. We’re working on solutions to address the greatest challenges facing our society and we’re looking for support.
Climate, mobility and technology are changing worldwide. Our researchers are embracing the scientific challenges that arise from these developments with enthusiasm. Harnessing the power of our unique technological infrastructure with numerous laboratories and large-scale research facilities, they are using their expertise and creativity to help shape technological progress and ensure the changing Earth remains a place worth living in.
Pioneering work with purpose
Limits can be redefined in a place where talented people support and motivate each other to perform at their best. At DLR, creativity meets resourcefulness. Our work offers solutions – often in close partnership with industry – to the biggest scientific questions of today and the society of tomorrow. We research groundbreaking solutions for sustainable mobility and energy supply, accelerate digitalisation and facilitate rapid disaster relief. In doing so, we are united by a common goal – to use our expertise to create a future worth living in.
Sustainable mobility – on the ground and in the air
Admittedly, our goal to power cars, trains and aircraft in an entirely carbon-neutral way is ambitious. Help us achieve this by developing futuristic lightweight vehicles, electric aircraft engines and synthetic fuels based on solar energy as part of one of our specialised teams.
Our researchers are also working on alternative transport concepts for commuters in the urban transport system of the future. Holiday flights with electric aircraft may still seem a pipe dream, but this future is already within reach at DLR. Hy4, the four-seater passenger aircraft powered by a fuel cell and battery system, has successfully completed its first test flights – keenly observed by a proud development team on the ground!
Shaping the energy transition with fossil fuel alternatives and innovative storage systems
The sooner renewable energies are available, the better. At DLR, you can work in interdisciplinary research groups to find out how climate-neutral hydrogen can be produced economically on an industrial scale: for the production of alternative fuels, the storage of solar and wind energy, the sustainable supply of electricity and heat or as a process gas in industry.
Instead of scrapping old coal-fired power plants, these can be repurposed as environmentally friendly thermal storage power plants using molten salt as a powerful storage medium. Reliable batteries are needed in numerous areas of application, for example, to get satellites into space faster. You can work with us on innovative simulations to achieve this goal in the field of spaceflight.
Advancing digitalisation with artificial intelligence and digital processes
Digitalisation is more than just a buzzword – it’s the day-to-day work of specialists at DLR. This is the perfect place for you if you want to optimise aircraft construction with digital twins and research networked industrial production processes.
Our teams develop sensitive service robots that assist surgeons in the operating theatre or help repair the International Space Station. They are also investigating how versatile artificial intelligence can be, whether in delivering an efficient energy supply, powering smart assistance systems for pilots and air traffic controllers or evaluating vast amounts of Earth observation data for climate protection. The central focus of all projects is always the desire to improve our everyday lives.
Climate change, natural disasters and security risks – advancing technologies for humanitarian assistance
Sometimes help comes directly from space – for example, when robotic vehicles originally developed to explore distant planets are used to distribute relief supplies in dangerous terrain. Or when mobile greenhouses designed for space secure the food supply at short notice after floods or earthquakes.
Together with our scientists, you can take on responsibility in the international community to jointly manage emergency situations. Natural disasters are analysed rapidly using high-resolution satellite images that provide precise information on the damage caused and thus support the planning of appropriate relief operations on site. Our optical technologies and camera systems, which transmit real-time situation overviews using drones, are also a valuable support for domestic civil defence and disaster management.
These impressive examples are just a small part of the big picture! At 55 institutes and facilities nationwide, countless challenging projects await young talents who have started or already completed their studies in a STEM subject. Aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security or digitisation – six exciting research areas and plenty of prospects.
What part of the future would you like to shape?
Join us at DLR
Students can get their first insights into DLR's research areas through student positions, internships or when working on their final theses.
As a doctoral student, you can benefit from DLR's unique environment and acquire key skills for your scientific career through the DLR_Graduate_Program.
As a young professional, you can immerse yourself in DLR's cutting-edge research as a scientist or ensure the best possible research environment as a member of non-scientific staff.
