Senior Development Engineer - RF Design (m/f/x)

Location: Berlin, Germany; Hybrid

The Finisar Germany GmbH, a Coherent subsidiary serves multiple businesses within Coherent. One focus area is the development of leading-edge high performance, high capacity optical front-end solutions for long reach optical transmission. A special field is utilizing advanced photonic technologies in support of driving highly integrated coherent products. Another focus area is high speed detectors, scaling up to frequencies of up to 100GHz, utilized in research and test & measurement but more and more in communication applications too. 

We owe our worldwide technological leadership to the profound knowledge and experience of our employees. This awareness characterizes our corporate culture - which is open and communicative and ensures trusting cooperation. Each individual contributes to the company's success with his or her knowledge and responsibility. The passion and commitment of our team are the engine of our company!

The Role:

As an RF Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the development of next-generation optical communication products. Working within an international engineering team, you will lead RF design and development activities for optical subassemblies (OSAs) and optoelectronic modules, supporting cutting-edge coherent optical transceivers, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technologies and advanced high-speed communication systems.

What you will be doing:

• Leading RF design and development activities for optical subassemblies (OSAs) and optoelectronic modules supporting next-generation high-speed and terahertz communication products.
• Developing innovative RF interconnect and packaging concepts for coherent optical transceivers, PIC-based products and advanced optical modules.
• Designing, simulating and optimising high-frequency RF transmission structures operating in the multi-gigahertz and terahertz frequency range, considering signal integrity, manufacturability, reliability and cost.
• Defining RF specifications and interface requirements while coordinating technical requirements with cross-functional teams, suppliers and customers.
• Evaluating and optimising critical RF interfaces, including bump bonds, wire bonds, package transitions, substrates, PCBs and connector interfaces.
• Supporting Design for Manufacturing (DFM) activities with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure scalable and robust production solutions.
• Assessing the impact of assembly processes and manufacturing tolerances on RF performance and product reliability.
• Presenting RF design concepts, simulation results and technical recommendations to engineering teams and management.

 

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong technical background in RF and microwave engineering, along with experience developing high-frequency communication products within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

• A Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• At least five years' experience in RF design and development, with a strong focus on microwave and millimetre-wave applications.
• Proven experience in RF transmission line design, impedance matching, signal integrity analysis and electromagnetic simulation.
• A strong understanding of high-frequency packaging technologies, including bump bonding, wire bonding and package transitions.
• Knowledge of optical transceiver architectures, optoelectronic packaging and substrate/PCB design.
• Experience using RF simulation and electromagnetic modelling tools such as AWR Microwave Office, CST Studio Suite or similar software.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles and supplier collaboration.
• Experience working with high-speed optical communication products, coherent optical technologies, PIC-based products or advanced packaging solutions would be advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
• Excellent English communication skills and the ability to work within multidisciplinary international teams. German language skills would be an advantage.
• Experience supporting technical customer discussions and supplier qualification activities.
• Familiarity with co-design approaches involving RF, optical, mechanical and manufacturing disciplines.

 

What we offer:

In addition to working on industry-leading technologies within a collaborative international engineering environment, you'll benefit from:

• Flexible working hours.
• 30 days' annual leave, plus overtime entitlement.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including additional health insurance or a fitness programme.
• Financial support for public transport.
• Bike leasing programme.
• Performance bonus.
• Company pension scheme.

 

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position:

🤝 Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

✨ Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

🎯 Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

🌍 Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

🚀 Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Application & Selection

Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application process, please reach out to kris.cairns@coherent.com

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Coherent Corp is the global leader in photonics, designing and manufacturing advanced laser, optical, and materials technologies. Our innovations power semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications, and precision industrial systems worldwide. With a global footprint and cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D, we’re shaping the future of high-tech industries. In Germany, our teams are at the heart of Europe’s photonics and industrial laser ecosystem, combining engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing, and applied R&D to deliver high-precision laser and optical solutions for automotive, semiconductor, electronics, and advanced manufacturing customers worldwide.