PhD RF Engineering Internship - 2026 summer placement

Cambridge Consultants

OVERVIEW This internship focuses on advanced defence and security technology development. The role is suited to a PhD-level researcher with strong technical grounding in software security, cyber technologies, and embedded or distributed systems. This placement can be between 3- and 6-months duration with a flexible start date, and is suitable for PhD students who have completed their first year of study. There is no deadline for this role, as we recruit on a rolling basis. Once the position is filled, we will close the advert. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.   WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING * Contribute to research and development of secure systems across defence and security domains. * Support the creation of novel security technologies, including areas such as threat landscaping, post-quantum cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies, and trusted execution approaches. * Investigate and prototype embedded and distributed software for constrained, safety-critical, or adversarial environments. * Perform threat analysis, security architecture reviews, and experimental validation of new techniques. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams covering software, electronics, RF, AI, autonomy, and communications. * Participate in full lifecycle development activities, including design, implementation, testing, and documentation.   WHAT YOU CAN BRING Current PhD study in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline. You will also have: * A background in software or hardware engineering, with a demonstrable interest in cybersecurity research. * Knowledge of one or more programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Rust, Go, or similar. * The ability to undertake technical investigations and communicate findings clearly. * Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance.   Desirable experience: * Experience in embedded software development or hardware–software interactions. * Experience in security for IoT, robotics, autonomy, or smart infrastructure. * An understanding of regulatory or assurance environments for security-critical systems.   Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant ). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.   WORKING ENVIRONMENT A successful intern will work within the Defence and Security business unit, engaging with experienced engineers and researchers on high‑impact client and internal R&D projects. Work may involve both on‑site and laboratory‑based activities.   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHALMERS TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLA AKTIEBOLAG

Are you excited about shaping the next generation of wireless communication and sensing technologies? As a PhD student at Chalmers, you will conduct cutting-edge research in thermal design, advanced semiconductor technologies, and innovative packaging solutions for high-performance RF and mmWave systems. About us  At the Microwave Electronics Laboratory, we focus on application driven research on high-speed electronic components, circuits and systems for future communication and remote sensing applications. The research spans frequencies from below 1 GHz to 500 GHz. Our main research areas are within wireless high speed digital communication, sensors such as radar systems and radiometers, and microwave heating. We demonstrate innovative microwave components and circuits in our own fabrication lab, the Nanofabrication Laboratory at MC2, or at external cooperation partners/foundries. We characterize our components and circuits in our measurement laboratory.     About the research project   Future wireless communication, radar, and sensing systems require electronics that deliver higher power, greater energy efficiency, and increased integration. This project focuses on developing advanced thermal packaging solutions for GaN-based RF and mmWave electronics, where heat management is critical for performance and reliability. The research combines thermal characterization, modeling, microwave design, and additive manufacturing to create innovative packaging concepts that integrate both thermal and electromagnetic functions in compact, high-performance systems. Who we are looking for We are looking for a self-driven and highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in solving system-level engineering challenges. The ideal candidate enjoys working across disciplinary boundaries at the intersection of electronics, physics, thermal engineering, and advanced materials, and is eager to contribute to the development of next-generation wireless communication and sensing systems. The following requirements are mandatory: To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must hold a Master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field. For applicants with an education earned outside Sweden, a four-year Bachelor's degree may be considered equivalent. A strong interest in electronics, semiconductor devices, heat transfer, thermal management, and/or computational modeling. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand and address complex engineering challenges. Ability and motivation to work both experimentally and theoretically, combining simulations, measurements, and data analysis. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. *for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.  Personal qualities are of great importance for this position. We are looking for a curious and ambitious candidate who enjoys learning new skills and tackling multidisciplinary research challenges. You should be able to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively to collaborative projects involving colleagues, industrial partners, and international research teams. A structured approach to research, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate scientific findings into practical engineering solutions are highly valued. The following experience will strengthen your application:  Experience with thermal modeling and simulation tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, CFD software, or equivalent. Experience in RF, microwave, or mmWave engineering. Experience with measurement techniques, laboratory work, and experimental characterization of electronic devices or systems. Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing environments. Knowledge of semiconductor devices, electronic packaging, reliability analysis, or heat transfer. Experience with additive manufacturing, advanced materials, or multiphysics simulations. Previous research experience through thesis work, publications, industrial R&D projects, or other advanced engineering projects. What you will do Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Microtechnology and Nanoscience. Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing  The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours Contract terms   The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.  The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.  A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).  Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.  What we offer  As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits for employees.  A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.  Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.  Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.  If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.    We look forward to your application!

Proxima Fusion

WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION * You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. * You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. * Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. * Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT As the Alpha Plasma Microwave Modeler, you will own the physics simulation pipeline that connects our gyrotron sources to plasma performance. You will model the propagation, polarization, and absorption of millimeter waves in the Alpha stellarator guiding the design choices that determine how effectively we heat the plasma. You will sit at the interface between plasma physics, RF engineering, and systems design, working closely with the ECRH design lead, electromagnetic engineers, and academic partners to ensure that simulation insight drives hardware decisions. You will establish the simulation baseline by running ray-tracing and beam-tracing codes across the Alpha operating space, validating these against W7-X experimental data so that the results can drive the design of the Alpha ECRH launcher and gyrotron designs. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Run ray-tracing and beam-tracing simulations of EC wave propagation and absorption using codes such as TRAVIS, RAYTRAX and more complex beam or full wave model codes * Develop an integrated modeling framework that couples wave deposition to transport codes, enabling temperature and density profile optimization and validation of the heating scenario performance * Build and maintain Python-based post-processing pipelines to automate scenario scanning and interface simulation outputs with the Alpha integrated design framework * Model Electron Cyclotron Current Drive (ECCD) and assess its ability to modify rotational transform and equilibrium in the Alpha quasi-isodynamic configuration * Contribute to design reviews, interface control documents, and technical reports to ensure simulation results are traceable and actionable WHO YOU ARE * PhD (or equivalent demonstrated expertise) in plasma physics, applied physics, or a related field, with a focus on plasma-wave interactions or RF heating of magnetically confined plasmas * Hands-on experience with at least one EC propagation or absorption code (TRAVIS, TORBEAM, C3PO, IPF-FD3D, or similar) * Proficiency in Python for simulation scripting, data analysis, and visualization; comfort reading and modifying legacy Fortran or C/C++ code * Systems-thinking mindset: able to translate physics outputs into engineering requirements and hardware constraints * Strong team player, comfortable working across physics and engineering disciplines and with external academic partners INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (3x60 min) *This role sits at Level 2 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.