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Technical University of Munich

PhD Position in Space Systems Engineering – AI Autonomy for Satellite Operations

The Chair of Spacecraft Systems at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) invites applications for a PhD position in Space Systems Engineering focused on AI-based autonomy for satellite operations. The position is fully funded, with 50% of the funding provided by AUTOPS, a DLR-funded grant on autonomous operations, and 50% by state funds. The successful candidate is expected to dedicate approximately 50% of their time to research and development within the AUTOPS project and 50% to supporting the development of the EventSat CubeSat technology demonstration mission, which carries a neuromorphic vision sensor payload for space-based object detection and autonomy experiments, with strong synergies between the two activities. 

 

Research Focus 

  • AUTOPS: AI autonomy for satellite operations, including:
    • Build the trade space to evaluate the trade-off between ground-based and AI-based on-board satellite operations.
    • AI agents supporting mission planning, anomaly detection and recovery, and autonomous decision-making in ground and space segments.
  • EventSat:
    • Supporting the development of the on-board data processing pipeline on the 6U EventSat payload. 

 

Your Tasks 

  • Conduct research on AI-driven autonomy concepts for satellite constellations and missions (both space and ground segments).
  • Contribute to the assessment and exploration of the trade space involving different levels of ground-based and AI-driven onboard autonomy.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate autonomous operations concepts and AI/ML algorithms (e.g., agent-based frameworks, planning, anomaly detection).
  • Contribute to the design, integration, testing, and operations preparation for the EventSat mission, with emphasis on on-board data processing.
  • Publish results in high-quality venues and contribute to project reports and presentations.
  • Support teaching and supervision activities within the Chair of Spacecraft Systems (e.g., student theses and projects), as customary for PhD positions at TUM.


Your Profile 

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
  • Strong background in at least one of the following:
  • Space systems engineering / satellite mission design
  • AI/machine learning/intelligent agents
  • Autonomous systems, control, or operations research
  • Solid programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++); experience with ML frameworks is an asset.
  • Interest in hands-on space missions and working at the interface of systems engineering and AI.
  • Very good command of English (spoken and written); German is an advantage but not required.

 

We Offer 

  • A full-time PhD position in an international research team at TUM’s Chair of Spacecraft Systems in Ottobrunn.
  • The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on satellite autonomy and to a real CubeSat mission (EventSat). 

  • Close collaboration with other PhD students and researchers in space systems, AI, and neuromorphic sensing. 

     

Application 

Please send a single PDF including: 

  • Motivation letter (max. 1–2 pages)
  • CV
  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's)
  • Contact details of up to two referees

to TUM Chair of Spacecraft Systems office.sps(at)tum.de 

with the subject line: 

“Application – PhD AI Autonomy / AUTOPS – [Your Name]” 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

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