FPGA Firmware Engineer for the Protection and Safety Systems Group

The Machine Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, invites applications for an FPGA Firmware Engineer for the Protection and Safety Systems Group.

Description of directorate/division
As FPGA Firmware Engineer you will join the Integrated Control Systems (ICS) division, responsible for the design, construction, commissioning and operation of control systems for the ESS facility including the accelerator, target station, neutron scattering instruments and conventional facilities. The Integrated Control System monitors and controls most of the operational aspects. We cover a wide range of sensing, control, automation, safety, computing and software technologies and their applications. The hardware scope consists of a mixture from entirely in-house hardware development, through community-style development to adaption and configuration of off-the shelf commercial systems.


Description of main responsibilities


• Responsible for VHDL design, debugging, and timing for fast interlock systems for ESS
• Preparation of test protocols, verification procedures, validation and commissioning plans for the fast interlock systems
• Support with identification and selection of test and measurement equipment
• Document FPGA development
• Participate in creating system architecture, hardware register specifications, system and block diagrams when necessary

Qualifications


• Engineer or physicist with an in-depth knowledge of FPGAs
• Significant experience in VHDL programming for FPGA based interlock systems
• Proficient at using firmware development toolsets and simulation environments
• Experience with board design, and schematic capture tools
• Ability to solve complex problems including clock domain crossings and power optimization
• Experience with latest simulation and verification methodologies
• Experience in scripting (csh/bash, Perl, Python etc.)
• Experience with high reliability design and implementations

Educational Qualifications:


• M.S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or similar with at least 3 years of work experience, or a B.S. plus 5 years minimum work experience

Personal Profile:


• Ability to work in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements
• Have a talent for solving complex problems with ingenuity and creativity
• Ability to work in a systematic way with good organizational skills
• Good report writing skills
• Able to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team within the group and with other groups
• Have excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills are a prerequisite; knowledge of other European languages would be an advantage

Desirable qualifications:


• Familiarity with the International Functional Safety Standards IEC 61508 and IEC 61511
• Hands on experience with reliability, availability and maintainability analysis methods
• Understanding of operation of particle accelerators or spallation sources
• Familiarity with ATCA/microTCA or similar platforms
• Experience in hardware design
• Experience of working in an international environment

Our work environment is characterised by fast growth, high rate of work, and an international atmosphere with highly academic personnel. You must therefore enjoy the diversity of such and have a personality suited for the challenges it holds. In this growing organisation you will have the possibility to take part in developing new routines and processes. Our work environment is exciting and forward thinking and relies heavily on personal initiative.

What ESS can offer
At ESS we offer people with talent and passion a unique opportunity to be involved in the development and building of a world leading facility for materials research. Besides attractive employment and relocation conditions, the flexibility to balance work life with private life and good opportunities to further enhance your skills; you will also enjoy being part of an organisational culture that promotes and supports internal career growth. We pride ourselves in having successful collaboration across different functions, and as the facility continues to grow we will keep nurturing the international and vibrant environment welcoming people from all across the world.

Duration & Location
The position is permanent with six months initial probationary period. Your work place will be situated in Lund, Sweden.

Start date
The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

Application & Contact
Please provide your curriculum vitae and cover letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website.

The deadline for applications is 12 March 2017.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process. For further information regarding the position, please contact Group Leader, Annika Nordt, annika.nordt[at]esss.se. For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Officer, Sara Margaryan, sara.margaryan[at]esss.se.