Internship: Orbital Refuelling Compressor design & manufacturing Thesis (m/f/d)

As part of our Orbital Systems Team in Munich, Germany, you will contribute to the development of internal competence on compressor development and manufacturing for upcoming In-Orbit Refueling infrastructure vehicles. This role provides an opportunity to develop systems thinking, along with experience on technology maturation and manufacturing techniques, while working closely with a multidisciplinary team. The position is planned for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension and future employment. We offer this position as a Master’s thesis, with the exact topic tailored to the candidate’s interests and strengths, or as semester project.

Your role will include:

• Research on compressor designs for orbital vehicles, including thermal considerations.
• Evaluate solutions against system requirements.
• Develop conceptual designs and perform preliminary performance analyses using industry-standard tools (CATIA, 3dx, Python/C++).
• Explore innovative materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and design optimization strategies to support next-generation space systems.
• Compare and trade manufacturing methods (e.g., additive manufacturing).
• Assess trade-offs between performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Work on early TRL & MRL maturation and demonstrators.
• Document findings and propose recommendations for internal competence development.
• Contribute to setting up future TRL and MRL maturation plans.

• Enrolled in a Master’s in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems engineering, or a related field
• Passion for creating a new spaceflight paradigm (space logistics and orbital refueling)
• Basic Knowledge of mechanical and fluidic systems and an interest in ALM, welding, and MAIT processes for metals and polymers.
• Experience in CAD/PLM is advantageous
• Familiarity with space systems engineering, structural and thermal considerations, and space materials is expected.
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Proactive, structured, and able to work independently and in a team

• Immediate and flexible start
• 30 days annual vacation and flexible working hours
• Potential for a Master’s project and/or full-time employment afterwards
• Empowerment and independence, with mentoring and access to industry experts for academic success.
• EGYM Wellpass and subsidy for the Deutschlandticket
• Complimentary beverages, company events, and professional development opportunities