EngD/PhD Opportunity in Free-Space Optical Communication Systems at Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

EngD/PhD opportunity at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the area of free-space optical communications, signal processing, electrical engineering, and related computational and programming topics.

The project is titled “EngD on the Design and Demonstration of Free-Space Optical Communication Systems” and focuses on next-generation satellite communication technologies, including coherent transmission, DSP algorithms, and field demonstrations for free-space optical (FSO) systems. The work is carried out in collaboration with industry partners, including Cubiq Technologies, and with two TU/e research groups: the Signal Processing Systems (SPS) group and the Electronic Systems (ES) group.

Research interests mentioned in the post include free-space optical communications, optical communications, signal processing, electronics, electrical engineering, computational sciences, programming, error correcting codes, and FPGA/RTL prototyping. The successful candidate will contribute to a field demonstration of DSP algorithms for FSO communications and work in a team with 1 EngD and 2 PhD researchers.

Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; strong background in digital signal processing; desirable experience with error correcting codes; proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++; and highly desirable experience in RTL design and FPGA prototyping using VHDL/Verilog and/or HLS tools. Applicants should be research-oriented, collaborative, and fluent in English at C1 level.

Funding and conditions: this is a paid full-time EngD position for two years. Salary is listed as €3,029 under the Dutch university collective agreement, with an 8.3% year-end bonus, 8% vacation pay, and additional benefits such as a personal development program, commuting/work-from-home/internet allowances, and access to campus facilities. International candidates may also benefit from immigration support and the 30% tax facility.

Application window: the vacancy was published on 03 June 2026 and the deadline is 1 August 2026 at 23:59 CET. Applications must be submitted online through the TU/e vacancy portal.

Contacts: Prof. Alex Alvarado ([email protected]) and Prof. Alexios Balatsoukas-Stimming ([email protected]).