Student Assistant Digital signal processing for coherent very high-speed passive optical networks

Future. Discover. Together.

Excellent research and innovation are at the centre of the work of the HHI - Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications. We are a world leader in researching mobile and optical communication networks and systems as well as the coding of video signals and data processing. The Photonic Networks and Systems department is conducting research on the next generation digital signal processors (DSP) that will form the basis for fiber optic very high speed passive optical networks (VHSP). The department operates one of the most advanced research laboratories and testbeds for optical communications in Europe, and maintains a complete library of optical communications digital signal processing algorithms.We are recruiting students in the field of digital signal processing for next generation optical communications systems. Be a part of our team and come on a journey of research and innovation !

What you will do

• Research and development in the area of digital signal processing algorithms for very high speed coherent passive optical networks (VHSP)
• Implementation of DSP algorithms in MATLAB/C++, that can be used for ASIC development
• Development of our DSP software tools
• Research work in existing projects about VHSP

What you bring to the table

• You are a student of electrical engineering, communications engineering, photonics, physics or a related subject
• Knowledge of digital signal processing (digital filters, control loops, estimation techniques, etc.) and of the description of signals and systems
• Knowledge of optical communications and of digital communications
• Experience in programming in MATLAB. Additional experience in C++ is beneficial
• Team spirit, as well as a structured, independent way of working
• Basic experience in software development, test driven development and version control software such as GitLab is a plus

What you can expect

• Research and development on topics of high industrial interest
• Work in one of the world's leading optical communications laboratories
• Fascinating challenges in a scientific and entrepreneurial setting
• Modern and excellently equipped workspace in central location
• Great and cooperative working atmosphere in an international team
• Opportunities to write a Bachelor or Master thesis
• Attractive salary
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunities to work from home

The position is initially limited to 1 year. An extension is explicitly desired.

There is no remuneration for pure Master's theses.

The monthly working time is 80 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!

Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI

Requisition Number: 80031 Application Deadline: 07/31/2025