Digital IC Design Trainee Program

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 75 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world's leading applied research organization. Around 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.

Welcome to the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS , headquartered in Erlangen 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
What sustainable solution will you find with us?
Are you passionate about microelectronics and ready to launch your career in Digital IC Design? Join our Trainee Program and become part of a growing high-tech ecosystem that's driving innovation in chip development.
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

• Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Analog Circuit Design, or related fields such as Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Medical Engineering, or comparable disciplines.
• Knowledge in Data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, coding and scripting.
• High level of motivation and the ability to work independently.
• Strong team spirit and good communication skills.
• A background in studies focused on digital systems, verification, embedded software, or digital hardware is desirable, but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with a hardware description language (HDL) is preferred.
• Experience with design tools such as Cadence or Synopsys is considered advantageous.
• Proficiency in English at least at B2/C1 level.

What You Can Expect

• Theoretical Experience: You will gain expertise in digital integrated circuit (IC) design, efficiently mapping finite state machines (FSMs) and datapaths in an IC, as well as the RISC-V instruction set.
• Practical Training: We will teach you scripting, automation, and EDA tools for synthesis, power analysis, and more, through a tailored trainee program that combines academic and industrial development.
• Supportive Environment: We take your goals and needs seriously by providing consistent guidance and support through assigned mentors and regular feedback sessions to enhance your experience.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with flexible working hours.
• Unique Opportunities: We offer you access to a unique network of experts and partners in research and industry, insights into innovative technologies and state-of-the-art design methodologies.
• R&D Experience: Get a glimpse into one of Europe's leading R&D IC design facilities.
• Professional Growth: Enjoy valuable work experience at Fraunhofer, Europe's largest organization for applied research and a top-rated employer.

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.

Ready to make a difference?
Apply online now and be part of our innovation journey Once we've received your application, you will automatically receive a confirmation email. We will then get in touch as soon as possible to inform you about the next steps.

Do you have questions about the application process? Our recruiter Nina Wörlein will be happy to assist you.

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

Location: Erlangen/Munich