EngD in on the Design and Demonstration of Free-Space Optical Communication Systems

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed. Introduction Are you fascinated by the idea of high-speed space Internet, envisioned to be powered by more than 50000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites expected to be launched within 10 years? Join us on this research project in collaboration with multiple tech companies to develop and demonstrate the next generation of free-space optical (FSO) communication systems for satellite communications. Job Description Satellite-based links are of key importance to provide ever-increasing data rates. Free-space optics is a technology that can help satisfy this demand thanks to the vast amounts of bandwidth available in the THz regime. The Eindhoven University of Technology recognizes a crucial paradigm shift, from intensitymodulated to coherent transmission, necessary in next generation FSO communication systems to provide high throughputs. To address this challenge, we are excited to announce an EngD position in the field of experimental FSO communications. These two positions are part of a collaborative research project between leading technology companies and two research groups at TU/e: the Signal Processing Systems (SPS) and the Electronic Systems (ES) group. The research in this EngD project will be performed in close collaboration with Cubiq Technologies and the two research groups. You will be a part of a team that consists of 1 EngD, and 2 PhDs. Successful candidate will work on a field demonstration of DSP algorithms for FSO communications. Job Requirements

• A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in digital signal processing.
• Background on error correcting codes is also highly desirable
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Experience in RTL design and FPGA prototyping using VHDL/Verilog and/or HLS tools is highly desirable
• A research-oriented attitude along with a result-focused mindset.
• Ability to work in a collaborative interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industry.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an international setting with a close relationship to industry. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for two years.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale TOIO (€ 3,029).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• To support you during your EngD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for EngD trainees.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information The Information and Communication Theory Lab (ICT Lab) at TU/e is a globally recognized research group focusing on information and communication theory, and its applications. At the ICT Lab, we study information processing in a broad sense. We focus on finding fundamental limits but also on the data processing techniques (often codes and digital signal processing algorithms) and architectures that aim at approaching these limits. Main areas of interest are source coding, channel coding, multi-user information theory, security, and machine learning. We typically use information-theoretical frameworks to model the scenarios under investigation. This allows us to find out what the optimal trade-offs are. The scenarios that we study often result from close interaction with industry. For more information about the research groups in this project please visit
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/ict-lab
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems/signal-processing-forcommunications-lab Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring managers Profs. Alex Alvarado (SPS Group) at a.alvarado@tue.nl and Alexios Balatsoukas-Stimming (ES Group) at a.k.balatsoukas.stimming@tue.nl. Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.flux@tue.nl. Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. Application We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three
  references.
• Copies of relevant BSc and MSc diplomas and grade transcripts.
• Up to two written scientific reports (e.g., BSc/MSc thesis, traineeship report, or scientific paper) in any language (preferably in English)

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled. Type of employment: temporary position | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 2 | Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2025/471 | Published: 2025-10-01 | Last application date: 2026-01-15