Scientist Digital Signal Processing for Optical Communication Systems

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 74 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 30 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

Future. Discover. Together.

Research and development tasks within the DFG project" Generalized Shaping and Precoding for Flexible Adaptation in Dynamic Optical Networks" (GAIN) in cooperation with the Technical University of Berlin (TUB). Under this project, you will be employed 20 % at Fraunhofer HHI and 80 % at TUB. Be a part of our team and come on a journey of research and innovation!

What you will do

Research and development in the field of optical communications with a focus on digital signal processing, coded modulation, and telemetry
Study and development of methods for cross-layer optimization in optical communication networks, involving the physical layer as well as control and management layers
Design and execution of experiments and supporting numerical studies
Presentation of R&D results in the form of project reports, presentations, and journal articles
supervision of Master's and Bachelor's thesis

The scientific work offers the possibility of a doctorate.

What you bring to the table

Completed master's degree in the field of electrical engineering, communications engineering or related fields
Very good knowledge of optical communications
Experience in:
characterization and modeling of optical communication systems
programming with MATLAB and/or C/C++
software development and version control software such as Gitlab
Fluent in English
Team player with a structured approach and the ability to independently develop ideas for new research activities

The following additional knowledge would be positive:

Good knowledge of DSP algorithms for digital coherent transmission
Experience with VPIphotonics / VPItransmissionMaker

What you can expect

Fascinating challenges in a scientific and entrepreneurial setting
Attractive salary package according to TVöD with 30 vacation days, pension scheme (VBL), wealth creation benefits (VWL)
Modern and excellently equipped workspace in a central location
Great and cooperative working atmosphere in an international team
Flexible working hours
Opportunities to work from home
Extensive training-, health- and sports offers
Various employee discounts and discounted BVG ticket
Offers for families (parent-child office, emergency care, leisure activities, etc.)

The position is initially limited to 3 years. An extension is explicitly desired.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Dr. Johannes Fischer

Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI

www.hhi.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 85620 Application Deadline: 10/10/2026

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