Teamlead Distributed Cooperative Systems (f/m/x) - Robotics, Computer Science German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Germany

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is seeking a Teamlead Distributed Cooperative Systems (f/m/x) in the field of robotics and computer science at the Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures in Bremerhaven, Germany. This is a research and development leadership role focused on distributed decision architectures, cooperative swarm strategies, and autonomous underwater systems. The position is based in an interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, systems engineering, and security-critical applications.

The advertised work centers on the development of next-generation distributed autonomous systems for maritime contexts. Topics include decision-making and cooperation among autonomous systems, swarm intelligence, interaction mechanisms for multi-agent systems, and system-of-systems architectures that operate under water, on the surface, on land, and in the air. The role includes both conceptual research and applied development, with tasks ranging from designing new architectures and prototypes to testing them in laboratory settings and during field experiments at sea.

In addition to research, the position includes technical and organizational leadership of a team of software developers, data scientists, and systems engineers. The successful candidate will define and manage R&D projects, coordinate integration with navigation, communication, and sensor networks, and support field trials and technology demonstrations. The role also involves documenting scientific and technical outcomes, presenting results at conferences and professional events, preparing funding proposals, and representing the work to industry partners, public authorities, and international networks.

Applicants should hold a completed master’s degree or university diploma in engineering or natural sciences, such as computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or physics, or another closely related field. The profile calls for proven experience in autonomous systems, AI-based robotics, or intelligent multi-agent systems, ideally in security-critical applications, as well as experience in designing complex experiments, prototypes, and system tests. Strong leadership experience, interdisciplinary collaboration skills, and very good German plus business-fluent English are also required.

The employment is initially fixed term for three years, with the aim of offering long-term employment. Remuneration follows the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD-Bund) and may reach pay group 14 depending on qualifications and assigned duties. A security clearance, or willingness to undergo security clearance, is a condition of employment. Applications are submitted through the DLR job portal.