Electronics Technical Engineer

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organisation 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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you an electronics technical engineer, interested in design, production, installation and operation of complex electronic systems? Are you interested in how RF electronics helps to accelerate the particle beams? Take part

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

You will join the Radio-Frequency group, Low Level RF section, responsible for the design and operation of the low-level radio-frequency (LLRF) systems for the whole accelerator chain – from the smallest linacs to the Large Hadron Collider. An important proportion of our duties represents assuring smooth and reliable, 24/7 operation for these systems (existing and future) and their continuous performance improvements.

Functions

As an Electronics Specialist (Design and Operations), you will join the team responsible for designing, operating, and supporting the electronics that control and accelerate proton and ion beams in the CERN accelerator complex. You will work on modules that may be custom-designed or sourced from industry, and you will develop the associated firmware and software. These modules typically include high-performance FPGAs or System-on-Chip (SoC) devices, fast ADCs, and analogue front-end electronics handling RF signals from 1 MHz to 3 GHz.

In addition to design and development, you will contribute to operational activities: coordinating system recommissioning after technical stops, tracking maintenance needs, implementing upgrades, and supporting beam tests and measurements.

You will:

• Develop firmware and embedded software to implement signal processing, feedback control, and data logging on FPGA-based systems.
• Contribute to the electronics specifications for upgrade and consolidation as well as new accelerator projects.
• Design mixed-signal electronic modules and coordinate their production, either with industrial partners or through CERN's in-house design and manufacturing services.
• Develop Python scripts for hardware testing, RF system operation, and test report generation, and support higher-level software development.
• Test and commission devices and systems under your responsibility, both on dedicated test benches and in the accelerator environment.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation and deliver training to team members.
• Participate in the operation and maintenance of existing electronics systems.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electronics engineering, electrical engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience

• Experience on design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics.
• Experience in the design and development of mixed signal electronic modules.

Desired experience

• Experience with digital signal processing digital and feedback systems.
• Use of modern test instruments (digital oscilloscopes, RF instrumentation).

Technical competencies:

• Design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages (VHDL, Python and C).
• Testing and measurement of digital and analogue electronic circuits.

Behavioural competencies:

• Solving problems: producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

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 Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

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

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:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 4-5

Job reference: SY-RF-LL LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Technical Engineer

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