Student*in für Masterarbeit ''Reverse Engineering of Mobility Crack the Code of the Heatmap''

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Number: MER0003YRX Being part of Mercedes-Benz means not only to build cars, but to understand mobility. We are looking for someone looking behind the colorful pixels of a heatmap and decrypting their stories. Are you looking for data science, algorithms and real deep-dive analyses? Then you're right with us in the team. In Group Research & Development we shape the future – and we need the right data for this. Our goal is to reconstruct individual, logical journeys from aggregated movement data (such as the heatmap of a city). We don't want any theoretical 'snake lines', which simply take off everything, but depict real mobility: the way to work, the short trip to the supermarket or the ride to the green. Your mission: From Big Picture to Detail. Your master thesis revolves around an exciting reverse engineering problem. You start with the result – a heatmap (e.g. from Rome, see your example) – and revise how it came about. Your task is to develop an algorithm that defines realistic routes and determines their necessary frequency to accurately replicate the target image. Your tasks at a glance: Algorithm development: You design an approach that extracts plausible individual routes from a given density map

Reality check: You define criteria for “real” journeys (e.g. start-target logic, typical commuter routes) and prevent artificial “endless routes” that only give a mathematical but not driving sense

Distribution modelling: You use statistical distributions (e.g. travel times: 30% short distance, 20% medium distance) to reduce the amount of solution

Optimization: You determine the exact frequencies of the individual routes so that their sum reconstructs the original heatmap as precisely as possible

Validation: You test your approach to different city scenarios and evaluate the quality of your replica

The activity can begin from April 2026. The final topics will be discussed with the university, you and us.

Studies: You study computer science, mathematics, physics, transport engineering or a comparable degree course (Master)

Coding Skills: You are fit in Python and are not afraid of new libraries. Ideally, you've already worked with OSMnx or NetworkX to process street graphs, or you know optimisation tools like SciPy or CVXPY

Mindset: You have a hand for data analysis, optimization problems or maybe even first experiences with graph theory/routing algorithms

Working methods: You like working on tricky solutions, working structured and have Bock to discuss your ideas in the team

Language: You can safely communicate in English or German

Why us? Because you not only cook coffee with us, but work on a real problem that advances our simulation methods. We offer you the data, mentoring and freedom to develop your own solution – in a team that lives innovation. Are you ready to crack the heatmap? Then we look forward to your application! Additional information: We are looking forward to your online application with CV, lettering, certificates, current enrollment certificate, giving the semester and proof of the regular study period. Please do not forget to mark your documents as ''relevant for this application' in the online form and to observe the maximum file size of 5 MB. Further information on the setting criteria can be found here. Disabled and equalized applicants are welcome! The severely disabled representative (SBV-Untertuerkheim@mercedes-benz.com) is happy to support you in the application process. HR Services will be happy to help you with questions about the application process. You can reach us by email via myhrservice@mercedes-benz.com or by phone at 0711/17-99000 (Mo-Fr 10-12am & 13-15am).

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