SICK is one of the world’s leading solutions providers for sensor-based applications in the industrial sector. Founded in 1946 by Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick, the company with headquarters in Waldkirch im Breisgau near Freiburg ranks among the technological market leaders. With 63 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe. SICK has more than 10,000 employees worldwide and generated a group revenue of EUR 2.1 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.

Job Description
Thesis in the field of R&D: Technology maturity model

Summer semester 2026 - limited to 6 months

 

At SICK, we consistently focus on new technologies. A recurring key question is: when is a technology mature enough to be used in product development projects? Implementing too early can lead to high follow-up costs and project delays, while setting the maturity bar too high can stifle innovation — as only proven technologies would then be applied. The challenge is to define the optimal maturity level for new technologies and systematically evaluate them.

 

YOUR TASKS:

  • Analyze existing technology maturity models (e.g., TRL, MRL, or similar).
  • Select the most suitable model and adapt it to the requirements of our Business Unit.
  • Develop concrete maturity criteria for both foundational and product developments.
  • Define maturity thresholds for our project portfolio.
  • Assess current technologies using the selected model.
  • Derive concrete project objectives for technology initiatives, with a focus on technical maturity.

 

YOUR PROFILE:

  • Degree in Industrial Engineering, Engineering, or a comparable field.
  • Independent, structured, and analytical working style.
  • Team-oriented and motivating personality.
  • Creativity and enthusiasm for developing new methods.
Information at a Glance
Requisition-ID:  37435
Posting Job Location:  Waldkirch (bei Freiburg)
Full-time/Part-time:  Full-time

Contact: Sarah Disch

At SICK, we see people, not gender. 
We put great emphasis on diversity, reject discrimination and do not think in categories such as gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or sexual identity.