Master (MSc) Thesis “Developing Novel Spacecraft Metrological Techniques”

OHB Sweden is Sweden’s largest spacecraft system integrator, regularly producing AOCS and propulsion subsystems parallel to complete spacecraft in our cleanroom in Kista. For these systems, it is sometimes necessary to understand how components are placed and oriented relative to each other. To determine these relationships, different measurement techniques are used, with the discipline collectively called metrology.

We are seeking a Master Thesis Student to investigate and implement new metrological methodologies that would aid the design and production of the next generation of spacecraft systems and subsystems.

Thesis Tasks The thesis would focus on developing new metrological techniques based on the requirements of OHB Sweden. Tasks would include:

• Assess the current state-of-the-art metrology in the space industry
• Identify and explore emerging techniques
• Identify potentials for improvements in the state-of-the-art and/or emerging techniques
• Develop new technique(s) that implement such improvements based on the requirements of the company
• Analyze the new technique(s) in parameters such as accuracy, repeatability, robustness, and execution speed
• Suggest future paths for the company and the discipline at large
• Summarize your findings in a thesis report
• If opportunities for it arise: perform experimental validation or testing using the metrological tools at OHB Sweden

The goal is to develop new metrological methods that increase the quality of the spacecraft and subsystems developed at the company while decreasing the required time for integration and testing. The student is also encouraged to suggest additional or alternative paths with the same goal.

Who We Are Looking For We are looking for someone that fulfills several of these items:

• Final-year master’s students in the field of Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, and similar disciplines
• Good understanding of the relevant mathematics, such as linear algebra and statistics
• Experience with data analysis
• An interest in analyzing measurement data and exploring practical engineering problems
• An independent mode of operation in a goal and results-oriented manner
• Experience with languages such as Python or MATLAB
• Fluency in English

It is considered meriting to have experience with:

• Knowledge of measurement science, sensor systems, computer vision, photogrammetry, robotics, or similar areas
• AOCS, propulsion systems, spacecraft systems or optical systems
• Measurement systems, testing setups, and testing activities
• Experience within the space sector
• Automation

We would like you to be curious, passionate, driven, and open to learning and trying new things. We welcome applicants of any gender interested in spacecraft engineering to apply!

What We Offer The student would be supported by experienced space systems engineers throughout the project and would gain exposure to current development activities. Additionally, during the thesis supervised access to laser metrological instruments could be provided for testing novel techniques developed by the student. Successful thesis work may also open a path towards future employment within the systems engineering or testing teams at OHB Sweden.