Mixed-Signal IC Designer – Neuromorphic Computing

Overview

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 75 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 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.

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 across diverse fields, including 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?

Here\'s how you will make a difference

Responsibilities

• Mixed-Signal IC development: You specify, design, and verify hardware components implemented in advanced semiconductor technologies (e.g., 22-nm FDSOI CMOS) to create innovative neuromorphic AI accelerators for edge AI applications. Using state-of-the-art simulation and layout tools, you develop precise solutions – from the initial design to prototype construction to metrological verification.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: You work closely with other neuromorphic computing experts (e.g., software developers) and the teams in Heilbronn in a progressive hardware-software co-design workflow to ensure optimal system solutions.
• Active contribution: You contribute your own ideas to shape the neuromorphic computing research topic and participate in the elaboration of the technical aspects of project proposals as well as the group\'s public relations activities.

Qualifications

• Completed university degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a comparable field of study.
• Profound knowledge in analog circuit design and experience with simulation and layout tools .
• Basic knowledge of circuit design or a comparable technical field (e.g., data transmission, measurement technology, or signal processing).
• Strong interest in technical contexts and innovations and the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new topics.
• Ideally, initial project experience in analog or mixed-signal IC or chiplet design.
• Good written and spoken English skills .
• Willingness to travel to national and international conferences, workshops, and project meetings, as well as particularly to team meetings at our new location in Heilbronn.

What you can expect

• Meaningful work: Experience the meaningfulness of your work and make a sustainable contribution to positive changes in society. Your ideas make the difference.
• From prototype to production readiness: Help shape the entire development cycle – from innovative scientific prototypes in new technologies (e.g. chiplets) to production-ready solutions with yield, QM and design-for-test requirements. So you experience the complete value chain of IC development.
• International, interdisciplinary team: Work in a diverse team of experts from different disciplines and cultures who work together on challenging issues.
• We value personal contact: With our structured onboarding process, you will quickly become familiar with our institute and be able to extend your network successfully.
• We take your needs seriously: We support your work-life balance by offering flexible working hours and hybrid work.
• Top of the line infrastructure at your workplace: With our state-of-the-art technologies, we develop solutions to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
• Your goals and interests are important to us: We offer ongoing professional and personal seminars, coaching, and language classes.

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the aim of extending it subsequently. The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position can also be filled on a part-time basis, with a preference, however, to have it filled as close to a full-time position as possible.

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?

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

Location: Erlangen