Digital IC Design Trainee Program (all genders)

Here's how you will make a difference

The program is rooted in the Bavarian Chip Design Center (BCDC), a strategic initiative supported by the Free State of Bavaria. BCDC aims to strengthen the regional semiconductor industry and develop skilled talent in integrated circuit (IC) design. With the increasing demand for chip designers in Europe, especially in Bavaria, there has never been a better time to join this future oriented field.

• Introduction to Digital IC Design :  You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Digital IC Design under the guidance of experienced engineers and researchers.
• Practical Experience :  You will gain hands-on experience in designing and analyzing digital circuits from the front-end perspective.
• Knowledge of SystemVerilog :  You will become familiar with SystemVerilog and learn how to build processor systems and hardware accelerators using the RISC-V architecture.
• Professional Preparation :  You will be prepared for a career in the digital design industry.
• Specialization Options :  You can choose between CPU Architecture or Security for specialization.
• Deep Dive into RISC-V :  You will gain in-depth insights into processing architectures and optimizations related to RISC-V and hardware accelerators.
• Experience with EDA Tools :  You will gain hands-on experience with industry-grade EDA tools.

What you bring to the table

What you can expect

The position is initially limited to 6 months, starting in April 2026. The weekly working time is 39 hours.

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. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).

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.