Working Student Digital Design (m/f/d) - Neural Network Hardware Implementation

Developing innovative technology solutions and bringing them into practical applications – that is our goal at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS. With our expertise in the development of photonic and microelectronic technologies, we create technologies for innovative products across diverse markets such as automotive, industry, and aerospace, working in flexible and interdisciplinary teams.

The »IoT Components & Systems« group focuses on the hardware implementation of neural network accelerators for edge AI applications. The target application area is real-time thermal image processing. The student assistant / working student (m/f/d) will support the FPGA-based implementation of neural network architectures and act as the interface between AI algorithms and their hardware realization.

Be part of change

• RTL Design & Implementation: You design and implement neural network building blocks (neurons, convolution, pooling, activation functions) in SystemVerilog/Verilog, contributing directly to the hardware realization of neural architectures.
• FPGA Prototyping: You prototype and validate designs on FPGA platforms using Xilinx Vivado, ensuring designs meet performance and resource constraints.
• Verification & Testbench Development: You develop testbenches and perform functional verification to ensure correctness and robustness of all implemented modules.
• Fixed-Point Modeling & Simulation: You create fixed-point models and perform simulations in Python/C++, generating test vectors for hardware verification.
• System Integration: You support system integration using AXI-based interfaces, contributing to the overall system-on-chip architecture.
• Documentation & Maintenance: You document design results and contribute to maintenance of the existing codebase.

What you contribute

• Academic Background: Currently enrolled in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a comparable field.

• RTL Design: Experience with RTL design in SystemVerilog/Verilog and FPGA development (preferably Xilinx Vivado).

• Digital Design Fundamentals: Good understanding of digital design concepts such as FSMs, pipelining, and fixed-point arithmetic.

• Functional Verification & Programming: Familiarity with verification methods and programming in C/C++ or Python.

• HW/SW Co-Design: Basic understanding of HW/SW co-design and communication interfaces (e.g., AXI) is a plus.

• Neural Networks: Interest in neural network architectures and willingness to learn new concepts.

• Self-Learning & Problem-Solving: Independent working style, problem-solving mindset, and ability to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them practically.

• Communication & Reliability: Reliable communication skills, attentive listening to supervisor feedback, and constructive dialogue.

• Language Skills: Fluent English proficiency (spoken and written).

What we offer

We offer you an exciting task and valuable insights into the methods and procedures of a modern high-tech research institute. A motivated and dynamic team awaits you in a very well-equipped research and development environment. In addition, we offer you connecting points in the context of your studies or your career entry, e.g. a topic for your thesis or the beginning of your career at Fraunhofer IPMS. We will support you!

The weekly working time is a maximum of 20 hours and is to be coordinated flexibly. The position is initially limited for half a year. A long-term collaboration is strived. 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. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

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 a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Contact

Mr. Eric Graebe
Human Resources
Phone: +49 (0)351 8823 1505

Mr. Thomas Kämpfe
Specialty Department
Phone: +49 (0)351 2607 3215

Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS

Requisition Number: 84544