Fortaegis is a fast-scaling, highly ambitious and cutting-edge semiconductor company. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research work package focused on next-generation communication infrastructure. This PHD position is explicitly designed to contribute to working on next generation of networks. Your work will directly support efforts to strengthen Dutch and EU technological sovereignty while unlocking new opportunities for high-value software and service offerings. We are looking for candidates with not only an exceptional skillset, but also an exceptional mindset, willing to go above and beyond to make our outstanding team even better. 

• Technical Foundation in Emerging Networks: Strong academic background or research interest in AI-native networking, programmable/accelerated infrastructures, and 6G technologies
• Commitment to Open & Modular Design: Understanding of or enthusiasm for open architectures and standardized interfaces that enable supplier-independent, globally deployable software modules.
• Ethics & Sustainability Mindset: A proactive attitude toward embedding responsible design principles from the ground up. Experience or interest in aligning technical development with sustainability goals and frameworks such as DOSA is highly valued
• Research-to-Impact Orientation: Ability to bridge academic research with industrial applicability, contributing to both European market development and technological independence
• Collaborative & Interdisciplinary Agility: Readiness to work within architecture teams, engage with ethics boards, and contribute to a cross-functional research environment

You will design, model, or implement architectural components for future 6G systems. Key activities include:

• Developing open, standardized interfaces for 6G software ecosystems.
• Integrating sustainability and ethical guidelines directly into architectural blueprints.
• Validating AI-native networking concepts within programmable infrastructure testbeds.
• Contributing to publications, conferences, and stakeholder demonstrations that highlight European innovation leadership.

• A fully funded, structured PhD position within a forward-looking research program.
• Hands-on involvement in shaping responsible, open, and sustainable 6G architectures.
• Opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and contribute to export-driven European tech initiatives.
• Dedicated supervision and professional development aligned with cutting-edge networking research.