Enlightening Science

European XFEL is an international non-profit company located in the Hamburg area in Germany. It operates a 3.4 km-long X-ray laser, which produces X-rays of unique quality for studies in physics, chemistry, the life sciences, materials research and other disciplines. The diverse scientific facilities at European XFEL enable scientists from across the globe to carry out a wide range of experimental techniques.

For our Electronic and Electrical Engineering group, we are looking for an

R&D FPGA Engineer (f/m/d) – Signal Processing & Real-Time Data Optimization

The Position

As part of the STEPHANIK project, we are looking for an FPGA Developer with proven experience in the fields of digital signal processing and high-bandwidth applications for the STEPHANIK project. The Slovak Technical Ecosphere Platform (STEPHANIK) is a transformation and innovation program by the Slovak Government with international partners, including EuXFEL and DESY. EuXFEL is supporting this program through knowledge transfer and developments in high data-rate FPGA acquisition systems. As part of this project, and linked in with other strategic developments at EuXFEL you will:

• research and prototype novel data reduction techniques (compression, filtering, feature extraction) and explore emerging FPGA technologies (e.g., adaptive compute),
• design and implement high-performance FPGA solutions for high-speed data acquisition, processing, and reduction,
• interface to the project partners of STEPHANIK, and within EuXFEL to understand requirements for such platforms.

The project is executed with staff members from EuXFEL’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering Group.

Requirements

• university degree in Electronics, Computer Science, Physics or comparable field,
• strong proficiency and proven experience in RTL design and FPGA toolchains,
• experience in high-speed data acquisition systems and serial protocols,
• experience in maintaining and supporting FPGA-based projects,
• experience with HLS and/or AI/ML acceleration on FPGAs is considered an asset,
• experience in low-power applications and data reduction is considered an asset,
• strong communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds and technical disciplines, ensuring clear and concise exchange of complex technical concepts.

Our offer

Become part of a vibrant international and multicultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:

• family-friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
• flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
• 30 days of vacation, 24th and 31st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer
• extensive relocation benefits
• generous company pension scheme (6,45% of monthly salary)
• monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant
• partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
• extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
• easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your well‑being

Our company language is English.

Reference number: E-391

Duration: This is a time-limited position, available until 30 September 2027.

Application

Please apply online and provide your CV and a motivation letter in English as well as any reference letters.

The European XFEL GmbH is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we promote and support diverse and heterogenous teams. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.

Deadline: 19 August 2025

For additional information, please contact Patrick Geßler ( [email protected]).

Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburg area and the European XFEL can be found here.