Master Thesis “Bi-Static Sensing of UAVs” AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH

As Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we are dedicated to making substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitalisation. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria's leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.

Our Center for Digital Safety & Security located in Vienna invites applications for a master’s thesis position in the Reliable Wireless Communication and Sensing research group. As part of our research team, you will support us within our research projects, focusing on reliable wireless 5G/6G communication and sensing.

Master Thesis “Bi-Static Sensing of UAVs”

Your responsibilities:

• Reliable detection and localisation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is becoming increasingly important for future civilian and commercial applications. This master's thesis focuses on the development and experimental validation of antenna arrays for bi-static sensing of UAVs using software-defined radio technology.
• Under the guidance of our team, you will design, build, and characterise circularly polarised patch antennas for different array geometries for UAV sensing applications.
• You will integrate the antenna arrays into an SDR-based testbed and perform experimental validation.
• You will support us in developing simulation models for bi-static multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) sensing and realise a real-time measurement setup that can estimate azimuth, elevation and range.
• You will gain hands-on experience with antenna design, beamforming, direction-of-arrival estimation, and software-defined radio systems.
• You will learn how to validate the sensing algorithms using a state-of-the-art motion capture system.
• You will work closely with researchers in wireless sensing and contribute to the development of next-generation UAV detection and localisation technologies.

Your qualifications:

• You are pursuing a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, or a related field.
• First experience (e.g. gained through university / student research projects, laboratory work, internships or similar activities) in at least one of the following areas: (i) Antenna array design and validation measurements or (ii) micro-Doppler-based bi-static sensing methods. In the cover letter, the candidate shall describe how their CV and personal interests for future development match at least one of the above profiles (explicitly referring to (i) or (ii)) and substantiate their claimed expertise. Please note that applications that do not address this point may not be considered further.
• You have a basic understanding of antennas, electromagnetics, and wireless communications.
• Experience with RF measurement equipment, software-defined radio (SDR), or antenna simulation tools (e.g., CST, HFSS, or FEKO) is advantageous.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for signal processing, beamforming, or bi-static sensing applications is beneficial.
• You enjoy developing hardware prototypes and numerical algorithms, as well as performing experimental validation.
• Good written and spoken English skills are required.

What to expect:

• Duration of the master’s thesis project: 6 months
• Start date: ideally 01.10.2026 – however, there is some flexibility regarding the start date
• EUR 1.379,60 gross per month for 20 hours/week.
• Dedicated guidance and supervision from our experienced researchers, who will support you throughout your final thesis - from the initial concept to the final results.
• Highlights of our employee benefits include a canteen and meal allowance, organic coffee, tea and fruit baskets, preventive healthcare benefits and company doctor, additional days off for various life events, leisure subsidies, voucher programme, sports, cultural and socialising events, as well as flexitime models (incl. home office possibilities).

At AIT, we create an inclusive and family-friendly working environment that promotes equal opportunities and actively strengthens diversity across our workforce and in leadership positions. Among other initiatives, we are committed to increasing the proportion of women in our company and therefore particularly welcome applications from female applicants.

Your complete application:

Please submit your complete application documents online, consisting of your CV, a cover letter, relevant certificates (transcript of records), as well as a proof of identity.