Master Thesis (d/f/m) within Dynamic Operator Task Allocation in Future Fighter Cockpits (m/w/d)

Job Description:
In order to support the department Human Factors Engineering for Future Programmes, Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a
Master Thesis within Dynamic Operator Task Allocation in Future Fighter Cockpits (d/f/m)
You are looking for a master thesis and want to get to know the work of Airbus? Then apply now! We look forward to you supporting us in the Human Factors Engineering for Future Programmes for a Master Thesis (d/f/m)!

• Location: Manching
  
• Start: A s soon as possible
  
• Duration: 6 months
  

Project Overview
The complexity of task allocation in a fighter cockpit often demands substantial cognitive effort from pilots, which can lead to pilot overload and ineffective, or even unsafe operations. Technological advancements now enable the integration of Dynamic Task Allocation (DTA) in future cockpits, aiming to reduce the task load on pilots by dynamically adjusting the level of automation based on situational demands. However, the execution, timing, and frequency of these dynamic changes have critical implications for pilot safety and mission success. This thesis project seeks to explore how dynamic changes in levels and types of automation affect operator performance, with the goal of informing the design of a DTA system that enhances operator performance by incorporating human factors.
Your location
Located about an hour’s drive north of Munich, Manching is an up-and-coming market town that offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities. Here, you can enjoy the quality of life in the countryside while the pleasures of near-by cities are still within easy reach.
Your benefits

• Attractive salary and work-life balance with an 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
The primary focus of this thesis project is to investigate the impact of dynamic changes in automation levels during a gaming activity. By exposing participants to varying rules and automation levels within a game, we aim to understand how these changes affect performance. This understanding will inform the design of future DTA change parameters.
Key tasks include:

• Conducting a literature review on Dynamic Task Allocation.
  
• Developing a problem statement and defining key research objectives.
  
• Programming a simple game (e.g., the classic Snake game) and rulebook to simulate dynamic changes in automation.
  
• Running an experiment with a sufficient number of participants to gather data on performance.
  
• Writing a thesis report structured as a scientific article, including sections on Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
  

Desired skills and qualifications

• Enrolled as a full-time master student in Human Factors, Psychology, or a related field.
  
• Knowledge in literature research, running experiments, and scientific writing.
  
• Programming knowledge sufficient for (simple) game development.
  
• Strong teamwork skills.
  
• Fluent in English.
  

Please upload the following documents: cover letter, CV, relevant transcripts, enrolment certificate.
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Company:
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
Employment Type:
Final-year Thesis
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Experience Level:
Student
Job Family:
Support to Management
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