Job Description:

In order to support Airbus Defence and Space we are looking for a

Master's Thesis Student (d/f/m) in Systems Engineering and Design for the RAFT Lunar Flight Model (Phase B2)

You are looking for a master thesis? Then apply now! We look forward to you supporting us in the department designation as a Master's student (d/f/m)!

Join a high-profile space mission at the forefront of European and International lunar exploration!

Airbus Defence and Space, in collaboration with international partners such as ETH Zürich and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), is developing RAFT (Regolith Adhesion and Flow Testbed).

RAFT is a critical precursor mission designed to deliver the first ground-truth in-situ dataset of lunar regolith flow behavior. This data is essential to validate the UPREB predictive models, which in turn de-risk the Mini-ROXY oxygen extraction plant—a key technology for sustainable human presence on the Moon.

Your Mission: Transitioning from Prototype to Flight Hardware
Building on the successful completion of Phase B1, your task is to advance the RAFT project through Phase B2. You will refine the mechanical and systems design of the actual Flight Model (FM), integrating real-world test data and managing complex international interfaces.

Location: Friedrichshafen
Start: October 1, 2026 (flexible)
Duration: 6 months

Your location
At the Airbus site in Friedrichshafen you will be working on innovation where others spend their holidays. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Constance while having lunch in our canteen. And after work, join one of our many corporate sports groups to go running, sailing or skiing.

Your benefits

• Attractive salary and work-life balance with an 35-hour week (flexitime).

• Traveling overseas or within Germany (team events) is possible after consultation and agreement from the department.

• International environment with the opportunity to network globally.

• Work with modern/diversified technologies.

• At Airbus, we see you as a valuable team member and you are not hired to brew coffee, instead you are in close contact with the interfaces and are part of our weekly team meetings.

• Opportunity to participate in the Generation Airbus Community to expand your own network.

• Real Mission Impact: Your work directly influences the hardware that will fly to the Moon.

• Expert Mentoring: Direct supervision by the Airbus core engineering and UPREB/ROXY teams.

• Global Network: Gain experience working with major space agencies and "New Space" industry leaders.

• Professional Growth: Develop highly sought-after skills in the rapidly growing Lunar ISRU market.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Test Data Integration: Analyze results from RAFT prototype testing in the NASA MSFC PLANET "Dirty Vacuum" chamber. If required, you will coordinate follow-up test campaigns with our partners at WPI.

• Subsystem Maturation: Integrate design and development plans for subsystems identified during the Phase B1 RFI campaign (e.g., Regolith Acquisition Systems or diagnostic sensors).

• Design Refinement: Perform detailed mechanical design and CAD modeling to advance the maturity of the system.

• Mission Accommodation: Analyze alternative mission scenarios and adapt the RAFT Flight Model for various landing platforms based on ongoing partnership negotiations.

• Systems Engineering & Documentation: Refine system-level specifications, development plans and schedules through to FM delivery. This includes performing updated risk analyses and cost estimations.

Desired skills and qualifications

• Education: Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Space Systems or a related field (ideally at ETH Zürich or similar technical universities).

• Technical Skills: Strong foundation in Systems Engineering and Mechanical Design (CAD).

• Project Management: Basic knowledge of Space Project Management and mission lifecycles (Phase A–D).

• Soft Skills: Proactive, independent working style with a passion for lunar exploration and the ability to work in an international, interdisciplinary team.

• Language: Excellent English skills (written and spoken); German is a plus.

Please upload the following documents: cover letter, CV, relevant transcripts, enrollment certificate. 

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth.

Take your career to a new level and apply online now!

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This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Employment Type:

Final-year Thesis

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Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Sub-system development

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