Student helper in AI for Rockets

Are you passionate about rocket guidance safety and intelligent aerospace systems and looking to gain valuable experience in space research in close collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA)

We invite motivated Master students to join us in an exciting ESA -funded project focused on smart and reusable rockets such as those developed by SpaceX. You will work on advanced Machine Learning tools to design computational validation techniques for modern European launch vehicles while exploring the unique challenges arising from rocket dynamics launcher subsystems and atmospheric flight regimes. The project brings together machine learning control theory and aerospace engineering in a practical research setting that is directly relevant to real space missions. You will work closely with ESA engineers and researchers from other European space companies gaining first-hand experience of how theoretical ideas and methods are used in operational space systems.

The position is temporary with an effort of 25 hours within 3 weeks. Desired start date is Aug 1 2026.

Your work tasks

Smart and reusable rockets rely on highly complex computational guidance and control systems making their stability and safety difficult to validate using traditional rigorous methods alone. The goal of this project is to develop data-driven validation techniques for stability and safety using Neural-Networks and other Machine Learning (ML) tools. The ML techniques are implemented primarily in Python leveraging the readily available off-the-shelf libraries and will be trained and evaluated on data generated from high-fidelity launcher simulators developed in Matlab-Simulink which capture the challenging dynamics of rocket across different flight regimes. Familiarity with Matlab-Simulink is a nice-to-have but not required as the main focus lies on machine-learning-based analysis in Python. Similarly prior experience with control theory is not required. This position is an excellent opportunity to learn key concepts in stability analysis safety certification and dynamical systems within a real aerospace context.

Your competencies

Prospective applicants for this job offer should have the following qualifications:

• degree in electrical engineering computer science mathematical engineering machine learning control theory or similar;
• Solid experience programming in Python.
• Good mathematical and analytical skills.

The following competences are an advantage but not mandatory:

• Experience with Matlab/Simulink.
• Foundational concepts in machine learning and control theory.

Who we are

We are part of the Automation & Control Section at the Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University. We are associated with the new AAU Space Tech Center see AAU Space Tech Center and have worked with the European Space Agency (ESA) in a number of projects. We are experts in modelling and control estimation and verification of space systems as well as many other types of systems.

How to apply

Your application must contain the following:

• A brief motivated application describing your professional and personal competences and the experience qualifying you particularly for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Study journal from STADS
• Any other relevant appendices

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

The application must be submitted via Aalborg Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore everyone regardless of personal background and orientation is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions

If you have any questions you are very welcome to contact

Jakob Stoustrup: or Aitor Ramirez Gomez:

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires ensuring the safety compliance and integrity of the workplace.

Salary and terms of employment
Salary and employment terms are in accordance with the applicable LC/CO10 Collective Agreement (Official title: LC/CO10-fællesoverenskomsten) and Organisational Agreement for IT Employees (PROSA) in State Service (Official title: Organisationsaftale for IT-medarbejdere (PROSA) i statens tjeneste).

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers students and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights new solutions to societal problems and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.