Job Description:

In order to support the Cabin Core System Architecture department, Airbus Operations is looking for a

Master student in the field of systems engineering (d/f/m), title of thesis: behavior-based load simulation of aircraft cabin electrical architectures for network optimization

You are looking for a master thesis and are passionate about aerospace and willing to work with engaged and experienced engineers (d/f/m)? Then apply now! We look forward to you supporting us in the Cabin Core System Architecture department as a master student (d/f/m)!

Our department is responsible for the development of the cabin core management system, the cabin lighting system and the cabin power. You will work on the following master thesis: behavior-based load simulation of aircraft cabin electrical architectures for network optimization.

• Location: Hamburg-Finkenwerder
• Start: October 2026
• Duration: 6 months

The aerospace industry is transitioning toward the "More Electric Aircraft" (MEA) to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This involves replacing hydraulic and pneumatic systems with centralized electrical power distribution. While this shift offers systemic advantages, it significantly increases onboard electrical demand. High-power demands within the aircraft cabin, driven by advanced galleys, In-Flight Entertainment (IFE), and Lavatories, position the electrical architecture as a critical area for weight reduction optimization. Secondary wiring and distribution units currently account for 0.5%−1.5% of the total aircraft operating empty weight (OEW). Given that every kilogram of weight reduction can save approximately 3.5% of its mass in fuel per hour of flight, optimizing these architectures is critical for operational sustainability.

Your location

You will be working at the largest production site for civil aircraft situated in Hamburg. Its location on the southern banks of the river Elbe includes the option to commute by ferry. Experience the special flair of Hamburg in your spare time where vibrant cosmopolitan culture meets nautic legacy.

Finkenwerder

Are you wondering how you actually get from university to Airbus? Your working student position is at the Finkenwerder plant and you can take the ferry from Teufelsbrück to the Airbus ferry terminal and back to the university in the morning and at noon. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Finkenwerder and then ride your bike for about another 15 minutes to the main entrance.

Your benefits

• Work-life balance with a 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

A conservative Electrical Load Analysis (ELA) typically considers "worst-case" installed power values across all Air Transport Association (ATA) chapters, leading to significantly oversized generators and wiring gauges. This deterministic approach ignores the stochastic and time-variant nature of actual operational loads, which are driven by flight phases (Ground, Taxi, Cruise) and the non-coincident behavior of passengers and crew.

The goal of this thesis is to develop a simulation environment to estimate realistic operational loads in an aircraft cabin. By integrating behavior-based stochastic modeling with electric system simulations, the candidate shall identify optimization potentials within the cabin electrical architecture, specifically targeting the power distribution architecture and the primary power generation units. This research aims to deliver a validated simulation tool for generating mission-specific operational power profiles, a comparative analysis between conventional "Installed Power Sizing" and "Operational Sizing", and specific architectural recommendations for reducing secondary distribution wiring weight through intelligent peak demand management.

Desired skills and qualifications

• Enrolled full-time student (d/f/m) in​ electronics, mechatronics, aerospace or equivalent engineering studies.

• Good understanding of Power architecture and electrical system architecture.

• Good understanding of physical integration of electrical systems.

• Good understanding of (physical) systems simulation practices.

• Tools: Matlab, Matlab Simulink, Python or other Modeling and Simulation Frameworks.

• English fluently; good German skills appreciated.

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 Operations GmbH

Employment Type: Final-year Thesis

Experience Level: Student

Job Family: Support to Management

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