As one of the world's largest solar energy research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially equitable energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition by providing concrete, implementable technological solutions through excellent research results, successful industrial collaborations, and spin-offs. To this end, our ~1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting-edge research at an international level.
Be part of change
Would you like to actively shape the energy transition and gain practical experience during your studies? With us you will find the experts and the environment to realize these goals.
In the Department of III-V Photovoltaics and Concentrator Technology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, we develop high-efficiency solar cells and the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) module technology built on them. The so-called III-V multi-junction solar cells consist of several stacked solar cell layers of different materials (III–V compound semiconductors, e.g., GaAs). With a four-junction cell, we have achieved a record efficiency of 47.6%. For terrestrial use of such solar cells, the expensive semiconductor material is replaced by cost-effective concentrating optics. In our current, innovative module concept of micro-concentrator photovoltaics (Micro-CPV), light is focused with about 1000× concentration onto a solar cell with a size of only about 600 µm × 600 µm, i.e., very small areas. The work is embedded in the WSS project ( ), in which we further develop the highly efficient III-V multi-junction solar cells and the Micro-CPV modules. For further improvement of sustainability, cost-effectiveness and efficiency, we aim to use thin solar cells in modules in the future. These behave like foils and bring new challenges, but also opportunities in module development that we want to understand and utilize. In our Con-TEC we develop Micro-CPV modules and the manufacturing processes using industrial methods such as soldering or bonding.
You will support our group "Concentrator Modules and Systems" in the development of manufacturing processes for this module concept. You will gain insights into a variety of electrical engineering and semiconductor manufacturing processes such as Pick&Place, solder paste printing, silicone adhesives printing, and ultrasonic welding. The focus is on practical work with automated systems, conducting experimental series, and analyzing and documenting the results.
To support our group "Concentrator Modules and Systems" we are looking for a student as soon as possible for a voluntary internship or a mandatory internship for the following activities:
* Initially, you will familiarize yourself with the basics of concentrator photovoltaics and production workflows.
* You will assist in process development for the assembly of solar cells on large areas (Pick&Place and solder paste printing).
* You will also assist in the development of silicone paste processes for mounting the secondary optics.
* You will analyze experimental series.
* You will document the evaluation and results and present them to the team.
What you contribute
* You are studying engineering sciences, natural sciences, microsystems technology, energy engineering, or a comparable field.
* You have knowledge in design and an interest in photovoltaics and research.
* You enjoy practical work and have skills in electronics manufacturing (e.g., soldering).
* It is important for you to contribute to your team and to achieve common goals in international collaboration.
* You are proficient with MS Office.
* You plan and complete tasks independently and with high quality.
* You can express yourself confidently in both German and English, in speech and writing.
What we offer
Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our unit, you will gain an inside look at the day-to-day life of research and development at a research institute.
Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE we work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment so that research projects can be conducted at the cutting edge of technology.
Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, applying and expanding your knowledge from your studies.
Supervision: You will be supported by scientists in your work and will receive feedback on your progress.
Teamwork: Through interaction with scientific and student staff, you will gain experience working in a team and can contribute your own experiences.
Working hours and location: We offer flexible working hours in coordination to suit your needs and, from time to time, the option to work from home.
Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and provide room for diversity.
After Work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual staff celebrations.
For the internship, a compensation is paid. The weekly working time is 39 hours.
We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ competencies and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnicity and social origin, religion, worldview, disability, as well as sexual orientation and identity. People with severe disabilities will be given preference at equal qualifications.
Ready for change? Then apply now with your compelling application documents (including CV, cover letter, and references/performance records), and make a difference! After you submit your online application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement. We will get back to you as soon as possible to tell you how things proceed.
Questions about this position will gladly be answered by:
Maike Wiesenfarth
+49 761 4588-5470
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
www.ise.fraunhofer.de
Requisition Number: 83705 Application Deadline: