TXT e-Tech, a company of the TXT Group, is looking for a candidate for a Master’s thesis focused on the research, design, implementation and validation of swarming, formation and multi-agent coordination algorithms within a proprietary product.
The project is part of TXT’s modular cloud-based platform for the simulation of unmanned systems (UAV, UGV, USV, eVTOL), which integrates the entire UxV operational lifecycle: mission design, planning, real-time simulation (C++ core), and KPI-based debriefing within a single environment.
The candidate will contribute to the evolution of the Autonomy & Guidance Layer and the Swarming & Teaming Behaviour Engine (currently TRL 3), working on:
Formation control (leader–follower, virtual structure)
Decentralized swarming based on swarm intelligence
Cooperative task allocation for heterogeneous fleets
Main responsibilities:
- Literature review on state-of-the-art formation, swarming and coordination algorithms for UxV systems
- Algorithm design and formalisation with attention to computational efficiency and real-time constraints
- Implementation of selected algorithms as software modules compatible with a C++ simulation core and microservices architecture
- Simulation-based validation within a structured environment (scenario design, test campaigns, KPI evaluation)
- Documentation and thesis write-up including analysis of results, limitations and future development directions
Required technical skills:
- Fundamentals of control theory and/or multi-agent systems
- Programming in C++
- Programming in Python
- Familiarity with simulation environments (e.g. Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink)
- Understanding of swarm intelligence or formation control principles
Nice to have:
- Experience with multi-robot coordination or distributed algorithms
- Multi-agent reinforcement learning
- Knowledge of MAVLink, ROS/ROS2 or drone communication protocols
- Familiarity with HLA/DIS standards for distributed simulation
- Optimisation techniques (genetic algorithms, metaheuristics, gradient-free methods)
- Previous exposure to aerospace or defence simulation environments
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Control Engineering, Automation or related disciplines.
Soft skills: Analytical thinking and problem-solving, Autonomy and organisational skills, Intellectual curiosity and research aptitude, Team collaboration, Clear written and oral communication, Results orientation.
Ideal profile: Master’s student in Aerospace Engineering or Robotics with academic experience (project or coursework) in multi-agent systems, distributed control or swarm intelligence, and practical programming skills in C++/Python within simulation environments.
Why Choose TXT?
Career opportunities in a rapidly growing and profoundly changing company with young, international staff;
Training on business-related topics;
Corporate Benefits (Ticket Restaurant, discounts as a group employee).
Teamworking: Opportunity to collaborate with highly talented and passionate people in a highly professional development process;
Hybrid work mode.
Position is open to all applicants regardless of gender, in accordance with Italian Legislative Decree 198/2006. The company promotes equal opportunities and values diversity in all its forms