Electronics Designer & FPGA Firmware Programmer

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 a skilled Electronics Designer with a strong background in FPGA programming? Are you curious to understand the interaction between electromagnetic fields and charged particle beams? Would you like to share your skills to the design of new electronics for the feedback systems which stabilise these beams and the electromagnetic fields interacting with them? Are you interested to contribute within the radio frequency group to new projects, upgrades and consolidation? You will participate as a member of the development team that is also responsible for commissioning and the follow-up during operation. 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 be working within the Radio Frequency Group, in the Feedbacks and Beam Control Section.

Functions

As an Electronics Designer & FPGA Firmware Programmer, you will implement feedback and control algorithms in FPGA firmware for the control of beams in the accelerator complex. Some of the electronic designs require the development of custom mixed signal analogue and digital boards, while others draw on off-the shelf hardware purchased from industry.

Initially you will participate both to the designs of projects and to the operation of existing electronics, thereby gaining understanding of the overall RF system used for acceleration of the particle beams.

More specifically, you will:

-Participate to the operation and maintenance of the existing electronics;
-Contribute to the specifications for upgrade and consolidation as well as new accelerator projects;
-Develop firmware and embedded software to implement signal processing, feedback control and data logging in FPGAs;
-Design mixed signal electronic modules containing a large digital processing part and analogue RF electronics in both the latest and legacy standards;
-Design scripts for hardware tests, set-up and commissioning;
-Follow-up the selection and procurement of hardware and components for design as well as the production;
-Integrate and commission the produced electronic systems in close collaboration with the teams from the RF group for software and RF power systems;
-Produce and manage the associated technical documentation and provide training for team members.

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

Experience:

Required experience:

-Experience in the design of digital electronics and firmware for FPGAs;
-Experience in the use of modern tools for the design of firmware and embedded software;
-Experience with the use of modern measurement instruments.

Desired experience:

-Experience in RF.

Technical competencies:

-Design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics;
-Design and simulation of analog electronic circuits;
-Knowledge and application of instrumentation and measurement techniques;
-Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: VHDL, Python.
-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.
-Managing self: actively seeking feedback on own performance and taking steps to improve it; remaining objective, focussed and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems; working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
-Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented; demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively.
-Solving problems: recognizing what is essential; discriminating between important and peripheral information and being able to see the whole picture; finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available; producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements.
-Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities; supporting and acting in accordance with team decisions; accepting joint responsibility for team successes and shortcomings.

Language skills:

-Spoken and written English or French: ability to draw up technical texts and to make oral presentations in one of the two languages; and the willingness to acquire the second language rapidly.


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. 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 13.03.2023 at midnight (00:00 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.

These functions require:

-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.