Embedded Software Engineer

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

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and technology development. CERN employs a diverse workforce of over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization operates in multiple countries and is committed to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Embedded Software Engineer position is a critical role within the Electronics Design and Low-Level Software team at CERN. The successful candidate will contribute to the White Rabbit project, which is a pioneering technology that provides sub-nanosecond synchronization and deterministic data transfer across distributed devices. The role involves working on the next generation of the White Rabbit Switch, a core component of the WR network, which is currently undergoing development. The engineer will be responsible for developing and maintaining software and firmware for the WR Switch, including its Linux-based operating system, and will participate in debugging new hardware versions. This position requires collaboration with colleagues in hardware/software co-design processes and external partners, ensuring thorough documentation and preparation of firmware releases.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Embedded Software Engineer will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and maintaining software and firmware for the WR Switch; participating in the bring-up and debugging of new hardware versions; maintaining git repositories; developing and performing tests for the WR Switch, including hardware in Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines, performance, and compliance tests; assisting in the development of production tests post-hardware manufacturing; collaborating with colleagues in the hardware/software co-design process; ensuring thorough documentation is maintained; and preparing firmware releases. The role also involves working with embedded Linux software and bare-metal firmware, as well as performance and compliance testing using dedicated instrumentation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in Software Engineering or a related field. Required skills include low-level programming in C, experience with embedded Linux and Linux device drivers, proficiency in git-based development, and familiarity with CI pipelines. Additionally, candidates should have experience with Python programming. Advantageous skills include knowledge of testing frameworks such as PyTest, basics of FPGA development (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog), the ability to understand PCB schematics, and familiarity with networking and synchronization protocols such as NTP and PTP.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Software Engineering or a related field. Eligible candidates should have 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 not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience post-graduation if holding a Master's degree, or up to 3 years if holding a PhD. Experience in embedded systems, software development, and hardware debugging is essential for this role, as well as familiarity with the specific technologies and methodologies used in the development of embedded software and firmware.

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

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 position is fully onsite at CERN in Geneva. The target start date for this role is September 1, 202

• The job reference for this position is BE-CEM-EDL-2026-102-GRAP. 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, a relocation package, and opportunities for on-the-job training and formal language classes.