PhD Position: Quantum Navigation Systems

About the role

Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a PhD candidate to join its Central Research & Technology team in the Munich area. The project focuses on developing quantum‑enhanced navigation systems for aerospace applications and will run for three years.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement resilient navigation solutions that combine quantum technologies with state‑of‑the‑art classical methods.
• Simulate and analyse navigation architectures that fuse classical and quantum sensor data.
• Define, integrate and field‑test a flying hardware demonstrator.
• Present research results at leading international conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Required profile

• Enrolled full‑time master student (d/f/m) in physics, robotics, aerospace, electrical engineering, quantum technologies or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of classical navigation, sensor fusion and state‑estimation theory.
• Solid mathematical background with experience in probabilistic models.
• Basic proficiency in simulation tools such as Matlab or Python.
• First experience with quantum sensing and hands‑on laboratory work is a plus.

Required skills

• Matlab
• Python
• Probabilistic modeling
• Simulation modeling
• Sensor fusion
• State estimation
• Quantum sensing

What we offer

• 30 days of holiday per year.
• On‑site canteen, cafeteria and fitness centre.
• Competitive salary with a 35‑hour flexitime week.
• Opportunities to travel within Germany and abroad for team events.
• International work environment and access to modern technologies.
• Participation in the Generation Airbus Community network.