Electronics Design Engineer for Particle Accelerators

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 a mission to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its cutting-edge research in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN's commitment to diversity and inclusion is a core value, ensuring a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and discovery.

Job Overview:
The Electronics Design Engineer for Particle Accelerators will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY) and specifically the Radio Frequency (RF) Group. This role is crucial for the renovation of RF distribution systems for two experimental particle accelerators, CLEAR and AWAKE. The RF distribution systems play a vital role in synchronizing RF and time-critical subsystems across the accelerators, requiring high stability, reliability, and cutting-edge phase noise performance. The engineer will engage in frequency division and multiplication techniques to generate signals across a wide frequency range, from 10 MHz to 12 GHz. Attention to detail and advanced electronics design techniques are essential for achieving the project's goals. The position involves participating in RF measurement campaigns, defining new RF distribution schemes, writing specifications, and designing and installing electronic and RF systems in challenging environments, including underground installations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Electronics Design Engineer include:

• Participating in RF measurement campaigns to characterize existing systems and producing detailed measurement reports.
• Contributing to the definition of a new RF distribution scheme, evaluating off-the-shelf solutions, and identifying modules for custom design.
• Writing specifications for modules to be developed either internally or externally.
• Designing, procuring, producing, and installing electronic and RF systems in the accelerator environment, including underground installations.
• Performing measurements and analysis to validate system performance.
• Creating and maintaining comprehensive technical documentation to support the systems developed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional background in Electronic or radiofrequency engineering or a related field. Eligibility criteria include being a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and having 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 not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Electronic or radiofrequency engineering or a related field is required, with a preference for candidates who have completed their studies within the last few years. A PhD in a relevant field is also acceptable, provided the candidate has limited post-graduation experience.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have between 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience for those with a Master's degree, or up to 3 years for those with a PhD. Experience should include work with instrumentation techniques and RF test equipment, as well as proficiency in the design and implementation of electronic systems, particularly RF components.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language being an asset. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the diverse CERN environment.

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 January 1, 202

• The position involves work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, necessitating a valid driving license. The job reference for this position is SY-RF-LL-2025-159-GRAP. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), comprehensive health coverage for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and will receive on-the-job and formal training, as well as language courses.