Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you an electronics engineer with a passion for cutting-edge technology?

Join CERN’s Accelerator Systems (SY) Department and play a pivotal role in the development of electronics for beam instrumentation, contributing to the performance of CERN’s accelerator complex!

The SY Department is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators, with teams designing, building and operating equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

The position will be in the Experimental Areas, e-beam, Ion Monitors Section of the Beam Instrumentation Group.You will play a key role in all stages of the life cycle of digital electronic systems for beam instrumentation applications, with a particular focus on the development high-speed electronics for instrumentation based on hybrid pixel detectors.

Functions

As an Electronics Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, specification, production, installation and commissioning of digital electronics for beam instrumentation systems, as well as ensuring their operation and maintenance.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development of high-speed readout electronics & software for beam instrumentation based on Timepix3/4 hybrid pixel detectors;
• Take part in the long-term strategy to exploit hybrid pixel detector technology for beam instrumentation applications;
• Be responsible for the hardware commissioning, maintenance and operational support of beam instrumentation for secondary beamlines in the Experimental Areas;
• Identify emerging particle sensor & electronic technologies with potential applications for beam instrumentation and take part in defining the R&D roadmap;
• Carrying out technical design phase work, lead studies needed to finalise the design, up to the drafting of the technical design specifications and reports including procurement;
• Manage projects with responsibility for budget, planning and the supervision of graduates & students.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electronics engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience in the following:

• Development of electronic systems for beam instrumentation, particle detectors or related scientific instrumentation;
• Tools and methods that support all stages of the life cycle of electronic & software development;
• PCB design, FPGA programming and low-level software development.

Desired experience in the following:

• Knowledge of high-speed readout electronics systems;
• Knowledge of radiations effects on electronics and mitigation techniques;
• Basic knowledge of accelerator and/or particle detector physics;
• Initial experience in the management of projects, from technical specification to commissioning and operation.

Technical competencies:

• Design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics.
• Design and simulation of digital microelectronic circuits.
• Testing and measurement of digital microelectronic circuits.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Demonstrating flexibility: readily accepting new tasks or work/projects.

Language skills:

Fluency in English is required, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than March 23rd at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-BI-XEI-2025-31-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Engineer