Trainee Program – Mixed-Signal IC Design for RF integrated circuits (RFIC) (all genders)

Welcome to the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS!

As the largest institute within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we have been conducting research for over 30 years in diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, sensor systems, data acquisition, signal processing, and signal transmission. Talented individuals from various engineering and natural science disciplines will find a wide range of exciting research topics under one roof. A few highlights that reflect our innovative strength include neuromorphic computing, 5G/6G mobile communication technologies, generative AI in speech and signal processing, and X-ray imaging for e-mobility. And that’s just the beginning!

Be part of change

In our RFIC group, we develop integrated radio frequency and mixed-signal circuits for a wide range of applications – from ultra-low-power wireless communication and localization systems to satellite communication and quantum computing. Our chips combine RF frontends with high-performance analog and digital building blocks on a single die: transceivers, frequency synthesizers, data converters, and the digital control and calibration logic that makes them work. These highly integrated solutions enable energy-efficient wireless sensor nodes, precise indoor localization systems, and robust communication links.

Are you at the beginning of your career and enthusiastic about mixed-signal IC design?
Then join our trainee program to learn directly from leading experts!

What you will do

As a trainee in our Mixed-Signal IC Design program, you will participate in a comprehensive introduction to mixed-signal circuit design within an RFIC environment, collaborating on real projects under the guidance of experienced engineers. You will gain hands-on experience in the design, simulation, layout, and verification of mixed-signal integrated circuits – for example data converters, PLLs and frequency synthesizers, bias and supply circuits, or digital calibration and control blocks – with a focus on optimizing performance, power consumption, and area efficiency. You will learn how to master the challenges specific to mixed-signal integration, such analog-digital co-simulation and co-verification and work hand in hand with RF design, layout, and test.

What you contribute

• Master's degree in electrical engineering or related fields such as physics, mathematics or medical engineering
• Team spirit, communication skills, and ability to work independently

Ideally:

• Completed studies with a focus on microelectronics, RF engineering or communications engineering
• Knowledge of analog and digital circuit design; basic understanding of RF and high-frequency concepts
• Familiarity with a hardware description language (VHDL or Verilog) and/or scripting (Python, MATLAB, Skill, TCL)
• Experience with design tools such as Cadence (Virtuoso, Spectre/Spectre RF) or Synopsys is advantageous

What we offer

• Fraunhofer IIS is one of Europe's leading R&D IC design facilities
• An individually tailored trainee program that combines personal and professional development
• Insight into innovative technologies and state-of-the-art design methodologies We work with state-of-the-art equipment in a highly innovative key industry. You benefit from a unique network of experts and partners in research and industry.
• We take your needs seriously: We support the best possible work-life balance through flexible working hours and hybrid working.
• Your goals and interests are important to us: We support you with a mentoring program.
• We enable equal opportunities: For example, our female scientists are supported by the »Fraunhofer TALENTA« career program.

The position is initially limited to 6 months, starting from 01.04.2027 with the aim to extend it subsequently. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). In addition, Fraunhofer may grant performance- and success-based variable compensation components.

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.

About Fraunhofer

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 74 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 30 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros. The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, located in Erlangen, is the largest institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft with more than 1 200 employees.

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.

Ready for change?

Then apply online now, submitting your application documents (PDF: Cover letter, CV, References). We look forward to meeting you!

Do you have questions about the application process? Our recruiter Nina Wörlein will be happy to assist you: +49 9131 776-1678