Test 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, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Test Engineer position at CERN involves working at the intersection of advanced electronics and photonics technologies, specifically within the Experimental Physics Department. The role focuses on the evaluation and qualification of a prototype high-speed, radiation-tolerant communication ASIC, which is part of a Silicon Photonics system designed to deliver a 100 Gbps data stream. The successful candidate will be responsible for bringing up new hardware, building robust test setups, and generating high-quality measurement results that will guide design iterations and qualification processes. This position is crucial for the development of the next generation of detectors for High Energy Physics experiments, addressing the challenge of transporting vast volumes of data off-detector while operating in extreme radiation environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Test Engineer will have a variety of responsibilities including defining and executing electrical and functional test plans for ASIC prototypes, which encompass bring-up, debugging, and characterization. The role also involves developing FPGA firmware and Python tools for test automation, data acquisition, and data analysis. Additionally, the engineer will design, review, or improve high-speed test hardware such as PCBs, fixtures, and cabling, taking into account signal-integrity considerations. Planning and supporting radiation qualification campaigns, including Single Event Effects (SEE) and Total Ionising Dose (TID) experiments, will also be part of the duties. The engineer will be expected to maintain clear technical documentation, including test plans, procedures, and review-ready reports, while adopting a collaborative and structured engineering approach.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong hands-on electronics lab skills, including instrumentation, debugging, and careful measurement practices. Experience in FPGA development, Python for automation, high-speed PCB design, and simulation is essential. A structured and rigorous approach to engineering work is required, emphasizing test methodology, data quality, and clear documentation. Familiarity with radiation qualification processes and ASIC design is a plus, as is knowledge of the Ethernet networking stack. The ability to communicate effectively in English is mandatory, and a commitment to learning French is expected.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a professional background in Electronics Engineering or a related field. A Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience is required, or alternatively, a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. Candidates must also 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 experience level that aligns with their educational background. Specifically, those with a Master's degree should have between 2 to 6 years of relevant experience, while candidates with a PhD should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience. This experience should be directly related to electronics engineering, particularly in areas relevant to the responsibilities of the Test Engineer role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learning French, which would be beneficial for communication within the organization and the local community.

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 job offers a hybrid flexibility model. The target start date for the position is July 1, 202

• The role may involve working in radiation areas and during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6372 to 7004 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.