Master Thesis Student in Communication Technology (w/m/d)

Das Institut für Kommunikation und Navigation des DLR widmet sich der missionsorientierten Forschung in ausgewählten Bereichen der Kommunikation und Navigation. Seine Arbeiten reichen dabei von den theoretischen Grundlagen bis hin zur Demonstration neuer Verfahren und Systeme im realen Umfeld und sind in die DLR-Programme Raumfahrt, Luftfahrt, Verkehr sowie Sicherheit und Digitalisierung eingebettet.

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 programmes.

What to expect:
The research group Multimodal Navigation focuses on developing robust methods for pedestrian navigation in environments where satellite-based systems like GPS are unavailable or severely impaired. The main emphasis is on applications for professional user groups such as firefighters and police officers, who rely on reliable positioning at all times during operations. Localization plays a particularly important role in complex buildings, tunnels, or disaster scenarios, where orientation can be difficult and even life‑critical.

Your tasks:
* Continue development to enable cross-device usability of WiFi/BLE maps generated with foot-mounted sensors on handheld devices (e.g., smartphones).
* Investigate and implement algorithms for making WiFi/BLE data recorded with different devices comparable in terms of scale and offset.
* Extend the current WiFi-based positioning framework to include BLE and quantitatively evaluate performance gains.
* Analyze the interoperability of WiFi/BLE fingerprint maps created using different sensing platforms (foot-mounted vs. smartphone).
* Integrate smartphone sensors (barometer, step-detection, inertial sensors) with WiFi/BLE positioning to develop and evaluate a 3D hybrid localization solution.
* Identifiying/Filtering non-stationary WiFi-APs and BLE beacons
* Using WiFi/BLE signals to perform a loop closure detection to correct potential PDR drift
* Using an already extisting WiFi/BLE map to estimate the initial position indoors

Your profile:
Familiarity with some of the following is desirable

* Programming knowledge in C++, C to develop firmware for WiFi/BLE scanning
* Prototyping knowledge in Matlab/python to establish simulation environment to assist the development
* Programming knowledge in Java/Kotlin to develop an android application for data recording, live demonstration
* Knowledge in sensor fusion and fingerprinting algorithms
* Knowledge in WiFi/BLE technology
* Git to track changes

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 3553) please contact:

Stephan Sand
Tel.: +49 8153 28 1464

Start of internal publication: 27.10.2025
Internal job advertisement deadline: 31.12.2025