Senior RF Designer

Senior Engineer - High-Frequency RF Design

Location: Karlsruhe (on-site)

Employment Type: Full-time

Start Date: Immediate or by agreement

Organisation

A rapidly growing deep-technology start-up is developing advanced solutions for high-speed data transmission in next-generation data centres and artificial intelligence computing infrastructure. The organisation focuses on integrating advanced materials with silicon photonic technologies to enable highly efficient optical signal modulation and ultra-fast data communication systems.

Role Overview

The Senior Engineer will lead the radio-frequency (RF) design and development of high-speed photonic integrated circuits (PICs) used in next-generation optical transceivers.

This role combines technical leadership, design engineering, and collaboration with internal teams and external partners. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, and validation of advanced electro-optic devices operating at extremely high data rates.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the RF design and development of high-speed electro-optic modulators integrated within photonic circuits.
• Contribute to the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced photonic integrated devices, supporting ultra-high-speed data transmission systems.
• Perform optical and RF simulation, modelling, and optimisation of high-frequency photonic components.
• Support the development of millimetre-wave interfaces, packaging solutions, and high-speed fan-out boards.
• Conduct device and circuit characterisation using advanced measurement and testing equipment.
• Collaborate with external technology partners and research collaborators to advance development activities.
• Contribute to technical strategy and innovation within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Support the growth of a high-performing, cross-disciplinary engineering team.

Candidate Profile

The organisation is seeking a motivated and technically strong candidate with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• PhD or equivalent industry experience (or experienced MSc) in RF engineering, electrical engineering, photonics, physics, or a related discipline
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of millimetre-wave devices and high-frequency circuit design
• Experience with device fabrication, manufacturing processes, and high-frequency testing techniques
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools such as electromagnetic modelling software
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar technical programming environments
• Familiarity with optical communication systems is advantageous
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and collaborative working style

What Is Offered

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Opportunity to join an early-stage deep-technology company and contribute to shaping its technical direction
• A collaborative, innovative engineering environment
• Flat organisational structure and strong opportunities for career development and technical leadership
• The chance to work on cutting-edge technologies in high-speed photonics and communications

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.