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 experienced Electronics Engineer with expertise in digital and analog hardware design, FPGA development, and the hands-on skills to bring prototypes to life? Are you eager to shape cutting-edge control hardware for CERN’s accelerator complex? Join CERN’s Controls Electronics and Mechatronics Group as a Hardware and FPGA Designer, and help build critical systems for the HL-LHC (High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider) and future accelerator projects.

Our team tackles innovative projects where your skills as a Hardware Diesigner Engineer will make a difference: ·

• Distributed I/O Tier (DI/OT): A modular hardware platform for custom electronics in radiation-exposed and radiation-free environments, featuring a 3U crate, radiation-tolerant power supply, and modules based on Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ SoC or Microchip Igloo2 FPGA. ·
• Sensors Acquisition and Motion Control system (SAMbuCa): A flexible, modular solution for mechatronic device control, including collimators for the HL-LHC, combining PXIe and DI/OT platforms. ·
• White Rabbit (WR): A CERN-developed, industry-standard technology for sub-nanosecond synchronization and deterministic data exchange across distributed Ethernet networks.

About Us

• BE Department: Manages beam generation, acceleration, diagnostics, controls, and performance optimization for the LHC and its injector accelerators.
• CEM Group: Specializes in control hardware, electronics design, production, radiation tolerance, mechatronics, robotics, and test systems.
• EDL Section: Develops and supports general-purpose electronic modules for controls and data acquisition.

Join us to advance groundbreaking projects and take part in the controls hardware consolidation effort at the CERN accelerator complex.

Functions

As an Hardware Designer Engineer you will:

• Take part in design evolution of the hardware modules for the DI/OT and SAMbuCa projects like the System Board and PXIe FMC Carrier (based on Xilinx Zynq MPSoC), radiation-tolerant AC/DC power supply (RaToPUS), Motion Front-End, Motor Driver;
• Contribute to the hardware designs for the new White Rabbit-based accelerator timing system;
• Follow up prototypes and series productions;
• Carry out radiation and burn-in test campaigns to validate hardware modules;
• Support users in their adoption and deployments of the hardware modules;
• Develop HDL designs for FPGAs and System-On-Chip (e.g. Xilinx MPSoC);
• Document and present your work as appropriate.

Qualifications

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

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in:

• The schematics and layout design of complex analog-digital hardware modules, including FPGA, high-speed transceivers and DDR memories using Altium or Kicad EDA tools;
• Simulating digital and analog electronic circuits;
• Power electronics;
• Diagnosing and resolving electronic circuit issues, with hands-on soldering experience;
• Development of FPGA designs targeting Xilinx MPSoC and Microchip Igloo2 families;
• Development of testbenches for FPGA designs

The following experience is considered as an asset:

• Radiation effects on electronics;
• EMC testing and industrial norms;
• Development of synchronisation systems;
• Python scripting for automating tasks and hardware tests

Technical competencies:

• Design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics;
• Design and simulation of digital and analog electronic circuits;
• Testing and measurement of digital and analog electronic circuits.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind;
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities;
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information;
• Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them;
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English in professional contexts. The willingness to learn French.

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 20th of March 2025 at 00:00 Geneva time.

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:

• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-CEM-EDL-2025-27-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Engineer