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Technische Universität München

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 for 1.5 years with opportunities for procuring additional funding through competitive external funding calls. 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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