Scientist Digital Signal Processing for Optical Communication Systems
At a glance
Mid-level Communications role at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Berlin.
Pay not stated Communications salary
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Develop optical communications methods centered on digital signal processing, coded modulation, and telemetry
- Study cross-layer optimization spanning physical, control, and management layers in optical networks
- Design experiments and back them with numerical analysis
- Present findings through project reports, talks, and journal papers
- Guide Bachelor's and Master's thesis projects
What you bring
- A completed master's degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering, or a related discipline
- Strong optical communications knowledge plus experience modeling and characterizing such systems
- Programming experience with MATLAB and/or C/C++, along with Gitlab or comparable version-control software
- Fluent English and a structured, collaborative approach to independently proposing research ideas
Who this fits
This role suits a mid-level researcher who wants to work across Fraunhofer HHI and the Technical University of Berlin, with doctoral research possible. The position is based in Berlin, initially runs for three years, and can be part time. Additional DSP knowledge for coherent digital transmission and VPIphotonics experience would strengthen your fit.
From the employer
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
Requisition Number: 85620 Application Deadline: 10/10/2026
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