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. With over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe, CERN operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. The organization is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structure of the universe and employs a diverse workforce to achieve its mission.

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 position is on FPGA development, particularly in the context of characterizing ASICs and working with System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms, notably the Zynq UltraScale+ family. The engineer will be responsible for developing and optimizing FPGA designs that are essential for ASIC characterization and system validation. This role requires collaboration with a team of engineers and technicians to implement high-performance, low-latency systems, and to design hardware/software interfaces for SoC platforms. The engineer will also engage in analyzing and debugging FPGA designs, developing automation scripts, and creating comprehensive technical documentation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge radiation monitoring technologies while working in an innovative and dynamic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FPGA Engineer will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and optimizing FPGA designs for ASIC characterization and system validation; working with SoC platforms, especially Zynq UltraScale+, to implement high-performance, low-latency 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 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 the Zynq UltraScale+, is essential. A solid understanding of microelectronics, ASIC characterization, and verification techniques is required. Proficiency in simulation and debugging tools such as ModelSim, Vivado, and ChipScope is necessary, along with experience in hardware/software co-design and embedded development. Additionally, candidates should be proficient 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. It is important that candidates have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before applying for this position.

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 a mandatory requirement for this position. While not required, the ability to communicate in French would be considered an advantageous skill, enhancing collaboration within the diverse team at CERN.

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 between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax), along with coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, membership in the CERN Pension Fund, and additional allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year, and CERN provides opportunities for on-the-job and formal training, as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.