FPGA Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. It operates in 23 member states and employs over 2,500 staff members, along with thousands of scientists and engineers from around the globe. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe by studying the basic constituents of matter using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce is essential to its success.

Job Overview:
The FPGA Engineer position at CERN is a critical role within the Radiation Protection (RP) Group, specifically in the Instrumentation & Logistics (IL) Section. The primary focus of this role is on FPGA development, particularly in the context of characterizing ASICs and working with System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms, especially the Zynq UltraScale+ family. The engineer will be responsible for developing and optimizing FPGA designs for ASIC characterization and system validation, implementing high-performance and low-latency systems, and designing hardware/software interfaces for SoC platforms. This role requires collaboration with a team of engineers and technicians, contributing to the development of cutting-edge radiation monitoring technologies and engaging in interdisciplinary teamwork to create reliable embedded systems. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in an innovative and dynamic environment, where the engineer will also be involved in creating comprehensive technical documentation and automating FPGA workflows.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FPGA Engineer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and optimizing FPGA designs for ASIC characterization and system validation; working with SoC platforms, particularly Zynq UltraScale+, to implement high-performance, low-latency, and resilient systems; designing and implementing hardware/software interfaces for SoC platforms; analyzing and debugging FPGA designs using simulation and test tools; developing scripts and tools for automating FPGA workflows and data analysis; and creating comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications and test plans. The engineer will also collaborate closely with electronics engineers and technicians to ensure the successful implementation of radiation monitoring systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess expertise in FPGA design and development, with proficiency in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog. Hands-on experience with SoC platforms, particularly Zynq UltraScale+, is essential. A solid understanding of microelectronics, ASIC characterization, and verification techniques is required, along with proficiency in simulation and debugging tools such as ModelSim, Vivado, and ChipScope. Experience with hardware/software co-design and embedded development is necessary, as well as proficiency in scripting languages like Python or Tcl for automation tasks. Fluency in English is mandatory, and the ability to work in French is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a professional background in Electronics or Microelectronics (or a related field). Candidates must hold either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Electronics or Microelectronics, with specific experience levels depending on their educational qualifications. Those with a Master's degree should have between 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience, while candidates with a PhD should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience. This ensures that the selected candidate has adequate experience to contribute effectively to the team and the projects at CERN.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language at CERN. While not required, the ability to communicate in French would be advantageous, as it may facilitate collaboration with local teams and enhance the candidate's integration into the workplace.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, with a target start date of August 1, 202

• The job reference for this position is HSE-RP-IL-2025-39-GRAP. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, and membership in the CERN Pension Fund. Additional benefits may include an installation grant, family allowances, and travel expense coverage at the beginning and end of the contract. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year, and CERN offers on-the-job and formal training opportunities, as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.