Master thesis: Onboard AI/ML for 5G/6G Satellite Networks

About the role

Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a full‑time master student to conduct a thesis on onboard artificial intelligence and machine learning for next‑generation 5G/6G satellite non‑terrestrial networks. The work will be carried out in the Digital Payload Processors Design Team at the Taufkirchen/Ottobrunn site near Munich.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate the performance of hybrid CNN/LSTM models on space‑grade FPGA‑based System‑on‑Chip processors.
• Analyse and partition AI workloads between neural processors and custom hardware domains.
• Optimise and quantise models to minimise memory usage and power consumption for space deployment.
• Profile real‑time execution latency, throughput and power efficiency under strict constraints.
• Validate model accuracy against 5G/6G communication standards.
• Potentially develop high‑performance C/C++ kernels to accelerate sequential operations on the hardware.

Required profile

• Enrolled full‑time master student in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Communications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Strong interest in embedded processing platforms and satellite communications.

Required skills

• Experience with deep‑learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++ programming.
• Willingness to learn FPGA development tools (e.g., AMD Xilinx Vitis, Vivado).

What we offer

• Attractive salary and a 35‑hour flexible work week.
• Mobile working after agreement with the department.
• International environment with opportunities to network globally.
• Access to modern technologies and participation in the Generation Airbus Community.