Internship: Hydrogen Leak Detection Requirements in a Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft

Background

This internship focuses on the detection of hydrogen leakages and the measurement of hydrogen concentration, specifically in hydrogen-powered aircraft. In a future where more and more (test) aircraft will include hydrogen power trains, NLR aims to gain experience in hydrogen sensing applications for aerospace. Adequate detection of leaked hydrogen, which is highly flammable, will be an important way to comply with new safety and regulatory requirements that will apply to hydrogen aircraft.

As an intern, you will define the requirements for hydrogen sensors for different types of aircraft, based on several safety specification documents. You will compare multiple hydrogen concentration sensors by different manufacturers with respect to compliance with these safety specifications, but also accuracy, response time, stability, specificity and ease of integration. This will include discussing with sensor manufacturers. Ultimately, NLR plans to build test setups for in-flight testing of hydrogen sensors in an actual hydrogen-powered aircraft.  

This internship will contribute to NLR’s flagship PHYREX (Pipistrel Hydrogen Range Extender) project.

Assignment

• Define the requirements for hydrogen sensors inside or outside the fuselage for aircraft, based on CS-LSA, CC-23, CS-25, etc.

• Propose means of compliance to these requirements.

  • Propose improvements to NLR hydrogen sensor ground test facilities.

• Explore and evaluate the landscape of hydrogen concentration sensor manufacturers.

• Report findings and provide recommendations.

Result

• An exhaustive requirements list for hydrogen sensors for different types of aircraft.

• Trade-study and recommendations of hydrogen sensors on the market, suitable for aerospace.

• An evaluation of the compliance of different hydrogen sensors.

Duration

3-5 months, starting from September 2026 (flexible)

Profile

• BSc student in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or similar.

• Interest in experimental methods and measurement technologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner.

What we offer

• A challenging project in a high-tech result orientated work environment.

• Weekly supervision and availability of the technical staff for support.

• An internship allowance.

• Working in an actual R&D project as part of the team.

• Internship results to be used in the current and future projects.

About NLR

Royal NLR has been the ambitious research organisation with the will to keep innovating for over 100 years. With that drive, we make the world of transportation safer, more sustainable, more efficient and more effective. We are on the threshold of breakthrough innovations. Plans and ideas start to move when these are fed with the right energy. Over 800 driven professionals work on research and innovation. From aircraft engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts.

Our colleagues are happy to tell you what it’s like to work at NLR.

This assignment will be managed by the Flight Test and Certification (ASTC) department.

Interested?

Send your application, together with your motivation letter and CV and we will contact you as soon as possible. Contact Chiel de Groot: chiel.de.groot@nlr.nl, +31 88 511 4027.

Want to apply?

Nice! We look forward to get to know more about you. Please send you CV and cover letter via the “apply” button.

A positive VGB screening is necessary for this position.