Computer Scientist (M.Sc.) or Engineer (M.Sc.)

At the DLR Institute of Transportation Systems we conduct research into technologies for the intermodal connected and automated transport of the future on road and rail. To achieve this, we are working in interdisciplinary teams with a total of 250 scientists on the development of innovative operating concepts and methods. Our goal is to ensure climate-neutral and sustainable mobility in cities and regions.

Digitalization and automation aimed at achieving low-emission transport define our institute’s research activities in the field of road traffic. The connectivity of vehicles with infrastructure opens up new opportunities for traffic optimization and provides novel technological solutions for controlling automated vehicles and infrastructure systems. Furthermore, it seamlessly integrates all road users into the overall transport ecosystem. Innovative operational concepts for passenger and freight fleets will render the management of traffic networks more sustainable and efficient. Through the "Testfeld Niedersachsen" (Lower Saxony Test Field) and the "Anwendungsplattform Intelligente Mobilität" (AIM - Application Platform for Intelligent Mobility), we possess a technology platform spanning highways, urban streets, and rural roads unique on an international scale for testing highly automated and connected vehicles.

Our automated, cooperative research vehicles - along with ADORe®, the open-source automation software we initiated - enable the testing of novel approaches both on dedicated test grounds and in real-world traffic environments.

Your Mission: Drive the advancement of autonomous driving! You will develop and test innovative cooperative approaches for autonomous vehicles leveraging your expertise in decision-making, maneuver and trajectory planning, and vehicle control. In doing so, you will apply your profound knowledge of C++ and Artificial Intelligence directly within exciting research projects (at both national and European levels). Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to help shape new research projects and to guide them through to completion, should they receive funding.

Your Responsibilities

• You analyze and evaluate current software systems for autonomous driving regarding safety, resilience, and cooperativity.
  • You design and develop new algorithms for trajectory planning and decision-making, utilizing approaches from AI and control engineering.
  • You implement these algorithms in open-source systems and evaluate them in simulations and test vehicles.
  • You present the associated results at national and international conferences.
  • You support or lead national and international research projects, both administratively and substantively.

What you bring to the table:

• A completed Master’s or Diploma degree in Computer Science, an engineering discipline, or a related field that qualifies you to meet the requirements of this position.
• Excellent knowledge of real-time motion planning for automated road vehicles, particularly regarding trajectory and maneuver planning.
• Advanced programming skills at a minimum in C++ and Python and proven success in applying these skills in initial practical projects, specifically within ROS.
• A strong understanding of complex system interdependencies and the ability to approach challenges analytically and in a solution-oriented manner from concept development through to implementation.
• Strong communication skills and initial experience working collaboratively in a team environment whether in technical discussions, coordinating with colleagues, or presenting results.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English skills, enabling you to communicate confidently in both national and international contexts.
• Basic knowledge of project management and excellent organizational skills.
• A Class B driver’s license, authorizing you to operate research vehicles.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 5288) please contact:

Dr. Tobias Hesse

Tel.: +49 30 67055 292