Engineer (f/m/x) SDR-based GNSS and AIS Jamming and Spoofing Detection in Neustrelitz

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 programs.

What to tasks

The Nautical Systems department of the DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation develops and tests new procedures and technologies for shore-based and on-board support in ship navigation, among other things. The "Traffic Situation Systems" (VLS) group fuses data from different sensors into a reliable traffic situation picture that is resilient to intentional interference. To this end, we research sensor fusion and multi-target tracking as well as the detection and localisation of GNSS and AIS/VDES jamming and spoofing. We are currently building an SDR-based measurement infrastructure at shore stations that records GNSS, AIS/VDES and R-Mode signals in a time-synchronised way. Applications are mainly maritime, increasingly also in autonomous systems such as unmanned surface vessels. As far as it is compatible with our operational procedures, we offer you the opportunity to carry out your work under the conditions of mobile working. In addition, you can organise your working hours flexibly, provided that you work during core working hours.

Your tasks

• expand scientific knowledge in the detection, classification and localization of jamming and spoofing of GNSS and AIS/VDES and demonstrate it in measurement campaigns
• develop novel methods for interference detection and localization using classical signal processing, direction-of-arrival estimation with antenna arrays (e.g. MUSIC, ESPRIT, beamforming) and TDOA/FDOA across distributed shore stations
• validate AIS/VDES messages at the physical layer and detect anomalies in AIS trajectories, including sensor fusion with radar data and ML/AI-based methods
• set up and operate an SDR-based test and measurement environment for reproducible jamming and spoofing scenarios, including robotic platforms (e.g. unmanned surface vessels)
• implement real-time capable algorithms in Python and/or C++ (GNU Radio), also for embedded target platforms (ARM, FPGA), and evaluate them on real measurement data
• conduct intensive literature research, publish results in journals and at conferences, contribute to project proposals and supervise students

Your profile

• A completed university degree (master's/diploma) in engineering (e.g. computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, control engineering) or natural sciences (e.g. physics, applied mathematics) or other courses of study relevant to the position with a grade of good or better.
• sound knowledge of digital signal processing, communication systems, antenna technology and wave propagation.
• familiar with direction-of-arrival estimation methods (e.g. MUSIC, ESPRIT, beamforming) and advanced estimation techniques, as well as practical experience with software-defined radio (SDR) and GNU Radio, ideally in GNSS or AIS signal processing.
• good programming skills in C++ and/or Python, experience in developing real-time signal processing applications and basic knowledge of good software engineering practice (Git, unit testing, documentation).
• ability to write conference and journal papers as well as technical documentation, combined with an independent, creative and goal-oriented approach to work
• ability and willingness to carry out business trips.
• very good English skills and basic German skills (spoken and written).

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.

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 13 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6487) please contact:

Dr. Michailas Romanovas
Tel.: +49 3981 480 464