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 over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe, CERN operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structure of the universe. The organization 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 mission emphasizes diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce is essential for success in scientific 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 group is responsible for the acceleration and longitudinal control of particle beams within CERN's accelerator complex. The engineer will play a crucial role in the renovation of RF distribution systems for two experimental particle accelerators, CLEAR and AWAKE. These systems are vital for synchronizing RF and time-critical subsystems across the accelerators, ensuring high performance in terms of phase noise, stability, and reliability. The position requires a strong focus on 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 desired outcomes in this role.

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. The engineer will contribute to defining a new RF distribution scheme, which involves evaluating off-the-shelf solutions and identifying modules that may need to be custom-designed. Additionally, the role requires writing specifications for modules to be developed either internally or externally. The engineer will also be responsible for designing, procuring, producing, and installing electronic and RF systems in the accelerator environment, including underground installations. Performing measurements and analysis to validate system performance and creating and maintaining technical documentation are also key duties of this position.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and possess a professional background in Electronic or radiofrequency engineering or a related field. The qualifications include 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 also required that candidates have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in Electronic or radiofrequency engineering or a closely related field. This academic foundation is essential for understanding the complex principles and applications involved in the design and implementation of RF systems.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a professional experience level that aligns with their educational background. Specifically, candidates with a Master's degree should have between 2 to 6 years of relevant post-graduation experience, while those with a PhD should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience. This experience should ideally include practical work in electronics design and RF systems.

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 important for effective communication within the diverse environment 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, and the target start date for the position is January 1, 202

• The role involves work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, necessitating a valid driving license. The 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 access to in-house language courses for English and/or French.