Digital IC Design & Validation Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading research institution established in 195

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization operates in multiple countries, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among physicists, engineers, and administrative professionals. CERN's mission is to push the frontiers of science and technology, contributing to our understanding of the universe through cutting-edge research and development.

Job Overview:
As a Digital IC Design & Validation Engineer at CERN, you will play a crucial role in the development of Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors for particle detectors. This position involves designing, verifying, and validating complex digital circuits, working closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes analog, verification, and instrumentation specialists. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital design, particularly in ASICs or FPGAs, and will be enthusiastic about enhancing the speed, efficiency, and reliability of state-of-the-art detector systems. Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of particle detection technologies, making this a vital role within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include designing architectures and digital circuits for monolithic pixel sensors and readout ASICs. You will develop synthesizable RTL using Verilog or VHDL and contribute to the overall system-level architecture. Additionally, you will perform simulation, verification, and validation of digital designs, supporting post-silicon testing that includes FPGA-based emulation and lab characterization. Collaboration is key, as you will work closely with analog/mixed-signal designers, detector physicists, and system engineers. You will also be responsible for contributing to documentation, participating in design reviews, and assisting in project planning to ensure successful project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a professional background in Electronics engineering or a related field. The ideal qualifications include 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 experience. It is essential that applicants have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Additionally, familiarity with digital simulation and verification tools, as well as knowledge of radiation-tolerant designs, is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Electronics engineering or a related field is required, with a preference for candidates who have 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience post-graduation. Alternatively, a PhD in a related field with up to 3 years of post-graduation experience is acceptable. This educational background ensures that candidates possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in the role.

Experience:
The position requires 1-3 years of experience in digital IC design, which can be either academic or industrial. Candidates should have hands-on experience with RTL design using Verilog/SystemVerilog or VHDL, as well as experience in lab testing, post-silicon validation, and FPGA prototyping. Familiarity with synthesis, timing analysis, and physical IC design flows is also important for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for integration into the local community and workplace.

Additional Notes:
This position is a hybrid role with a contract duration of 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The target start date for this position is March 1, 202

• The role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year and additional benefits such as comprehensive health insurance, family allowances, and a relocation package.