Job Description:

Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a

Master Student (d/f/m)
Master Thesis: Mechanical System Design for the Lunar ISRU Payload Mini-ROXY (From Product to Portfolio)

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH is offering a Master Thesis opportunity for a highly motivated student to contribute to the mechanical system design of Mini-ROXY, a lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) payload. This thesis will involve the detailed design, analysis, and potential prototyping of critical mechanical components, aiming to develop a scalable product portfolio from a single payload concept.

You are looking for a master thesis and want to get to know the work of a Mechanical System Engineer? Then apply now! We look forward to you supporting us as a Masterand (d/f/m)!

• Location: Friedrichshafen

• Start: 01.05.2026

• 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).

• 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.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Conceptual and Detailed Mechanical Design: Developing and refining mechanical designs for various subsystems of Mini-ROXY, including but not limited to structural elements, robotic interfaces, thermal management components, and sample handling mechanisms.

• Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA): Ensuring designs are optimized for efficient manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing, CNC machining) and ease of assembly in a space environment.

• Material Selection and Characterization: Researching and selecting suitable materials for lunar applications, considering factors such as radiation resistance, thermal expansion, and mechanical properties.

• Prototyping and Testing (Optional): Depending on the project scope and available resources, contributing to the development and testing of prototypes for critical mechanical components.

• Documentation and Reporting: Generating comprehensive design documentation, analysis reports, and presenting findings to the project team.

• Product Portfolio Development: Investigating pathways to modularize and scale the Mini-ROXY design into a broader product portfolio for future lunar ISRU missions.

Desired skills and qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.

• Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX).

• Experience with FEM/FEA software (e.g., Ansys, Abaqus, MSC Nastran) for structural and thermal analysis.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes relevant to space hardware (e.g., additive manufacturing, precision machining).

• Knowledge of materials science, particularly for space applications.

• Understanding of space systems engineering principles and experience with product development lifecycles is a plus.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and presentation abilities.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• High level of motivation and a genuine interest in space exploration and ISRU technologies.

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of 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!

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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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.