Master Student - AI Modeling for WSS and OCS Switching Systems

Huawei Heisenberg Research Center (Munich) is responsible for advanced technology research, architectural development, design and strategic engineering of our products.

The Optical Technology Laboratory in Munich researches and develops signal processing, components, systems, and optical switching for fixed access, data center networks, metro and long-haul optical networks. The department engages in local research and collaborates with academic and industrial partners from the European ecosystem.

Join us as a

Master Student - AI Modeling for WSS and OCS Switching Systems (m/f/d)

Your mission

We are seeking a Master student to work on AI-driven modeling and optimization of Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) systems based on LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology and Optical Circuit Switching (OCS) systems. The student will develop AI/ML surrogate models, inverse design frameworks, and system-level optimization pipelines to improve optical switching performance metrics including insertion loss, crosstalk, passband shape, switching latency, and polarization-dependent loss (PDL).

• Develop AI/ML surrogate models and inverse design frameworks for LCOS-based WSS optimization, targeting insertion loss minimization, crosstalk suppression, and PDL reduction.

• Build and refine WSS system-level models (optical path, LCOS switching engine, port architecture), evaluating insertion loss, crosstalk, passband shape, and PDL.

• Investigate WSS crosstalk suppression strategies through pixel layout design, phase/amplitude apodization, and AI-driven optimization.

• Develop AI-assisted models for OCS system-level performance, including switching speed, optical path stability, port-to-port uniformity, and insertion loss characterization.

• Validate AI model predictions against experimental measurements and simulation results.

• Study and apply modern deep learning architectures (e.g., CNNs, transformers, physics-informed neural networks, reinforcement learning) to the WSS and OCS design loops.

Your areas of expertise

• Enrolled in a Master's program in EE, Photonics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, CS, or related field.

AI / Machine Learning (Required)

· Strong background in deep learning fundamentals, including neural network architectures, training/inference pipelines, and GPU-accelerated computation.

· Proficiency with PyTorch or TensorFlow.

· Familiarity with one or more: inverse design, physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), reinforcement learning, surrogate modeling, or generative models.

· Experience with multi-objective optimization using AI/ML methods.

Optics & Optical Design (Required)

· Strong foundational knowledge of physical optics, including wave propagation, diffraction, interference, polarization, and beam optics.

· Understanding of liquid crystal optics and LCOS device operation principles.

· Understanding of WSS architecture and key performance metrics: insertion loss, crosstalk, bandwidth, PDL, port count, passband shape.

· Understanding of OCS architecture and key performance metrics: switching speed, port count, insertion loss, crosstalk.

· Ability to perform or interpret simulations (FDTD, RCWA, FEM) of optical structures.

Nice-to-Have (Plus)

· Knowledge of metasurface operating principles (phase/amplitude/polarization control via subwavelength structures), unit-cell design, lattice types, and phase-gradient concepts.

· Experience with LC device modeling (Frank-Oseen theory, director simulation).

· Knowledge of DWDM systems, ROADM architectures, and telecom optical component design.

· Familiarity with data center optical interconnects and OCS-based network architectures.

Prior work at the intersection of AI and photonics/optics

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Your rewards of working here

• Our culture is characterized by innovative power and team spirit as well as the intensive exchange of knowledge and experience within our global network.

• We offer healthy meals ranging from traditional Chinese to western delicacies in our famous company canteen.

• To keep your development ongoing, you will find a broad range of training opportunities. Many online and face-to-face training programs incl. language courses in German and Mandarin.

• Our diverse and welcoming environment is shaped by different backgrounds and around 40 individual nationalities.

• Self-responsible work in a competent, motivated and constantly growing team.

Please send your application and CV (incl. cover letter and reference letters) in English.

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Our ICT solutions, products and services are used in more than 170 countries and regions, serving over one-third of the world's population. With 208,000 employees, Huawei is committed to develop the future information society and build a Better Connected World.