Doctoral student (f/m/d) Distributed computing and control architectures for modular space & robotic systems

Building and upgrading satellites in orbit – as easy as installing apps on a smartphone: that is the vision behind the smartCASE project. In this context, the ‘apps’ are intelligent, dockable modules comprising hardware and software, that add new capabilities to satellites during ongoing operation. The pilot mission is set to start as early as 2030. Together with international partners from research & industry partners, we are building the distributed software and control architecture that makes search modular space systems possible in the first place. The same principles – distributed, reconfigurable, and fault-tolerant architectures – are therefore needed beyond spaceflight: in robotics, for Digital Twins, and in complex automation systems. smartCASE is therefore the flagship of your work, while room for further topics at the intersection of space, robotics, distributed systems, and modern software engineering. We are looking for a research associate (f/m/d) with the intention to pursue a PhD and a strong passion for the development and validation of distributed software architectures, for Linux-based systems and hardware-oriented robotics and control software, as well as for modern methods of simulation-based system development. You will develop real software architectures – not simple concepts, but software that allows individual modules to describe their capabilities digitally, interact with one another, and be validated in virtual, hybrid, and physical test environments. We offer: The opportunity to pursue a PhD in a highly topical research field A full-time position (remuneration according to TV-L E13) Work on real-world applications for industry and space, with a direct link to highly topical, EU-funded space developments for modular space systems (the smartCASE project, awarded the EU's STEP Seal of Excellence) The development of real software architectures for modular space and robotic systems – not otherwise conceptual work Access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure for robotics, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and Digital Twins Collaboration with European industry and research partners A creative, interdisciplinary research environment at RWTH Aachen University, one of Europe's leading technical universities and a University of Excellence Plenty of scope to develop your own ideas and research directions Up to 40% remote work within the framework of an existing works agreement

About us: The Institute for Man-Machine Interaction (MMI) is a nationally and internationally active and successful research institution within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of RWTH Aachen University. MMI specialises in the modelling, simulation, control, and analysis of complex systems in their operational environment, in the interaction and networking of machines, devices, and people, and in intelligent systems for space and applications on Earth. Digital Twins balancing at MMI revolutionise development processes and the operation of (not only) robotic systems. They form the basis for the convergence of the virtual and the real world – across industries and disciplines. The diverse application areas range from planetary rovers and modular satellite systems to the “International Space Station”, from industrial robots to “Virtual Production”, and from wheel loaders to the “Virtual Forest”. If you have any questions about the position or the project, we look forward to hearing from you – informal preliminary enquiries are welcome. .