Analogue/Custom IC Design Engineer

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

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and scientific discovery. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, making significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.

Job Overview:
The Analogue/Custom IC Design Engineer position at CERN involves working within the Experimental Physics Department to develop next-generation detector technologies for High Energy Physics experiments. The successful candidate will contribute to the High Speed Links programme, focusing on the design and validation of radiation-tolerant optical communication systems. This role requires expertise in designing custom ASICs and high-speed CMOS circuits, which are crucial for reliable data transmission in extreme environments. The engineer will be responsible for taking cutting-edge technologies from prototype development to full system demonstrators, ensuring that the designs meet the rigorous demands of particle physics applications. The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of technology and science, collaborating with a diverse team of professionals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Analogue/Custom IC Design Engineer include:

• Studying and defining architectures for analogue and mixed-signal circuits that enable high-speed communication systems using silicon photonics.
• Designing and verifying CMOS circuit blocks, including clock and data recovery (CDR) circuits, high-speed clock distribution networks, and high-speed analogue-to-digital converters (ADCs).
• Performing laboratory testing, characterization, and validation of circuits to ensure they meet performance specifications.
• Carrying out radiation qualification tests, including assessments of single-event effects and total ionizing dose for manufactured devices.
• Collaborating with team members to solve engineering problems using various analysis and simulation methods.
• Documenting design processes and results, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Engaging in continuous learning and professional development to stay updated with advancements in the field.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in digital and analogue electronics, ideally within an IC design environment. Familiarity with clock generation and distribution, including the fundamentals of DLL, PLL, and CDR circuits, is essential. The ability to solve engineering problems using a variety of analysis and simulation methods is required. Hands-on experience in the design, testing, and debugging of electronic circuits is crucial. The candidate should be a strong team player who can also work independently, demonstrating effective communication and collaboration skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Electronics Engineering or a related field. Applicants must hold 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:
Candidates should have relevant experience in the field of electronics engineering, particularly in IC design. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience is expected for those with a Master's degree, while PhD holders should have up to 3 years of experience. Experience in high-speed communication systems and radiation-tolerant designs will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learning French, which will 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 working model. The target start date for this position is August 1, 202

• The role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference is EP-ESE-ME-2026-107-GRAP, and it falls under the field of Electrical or Electronics Engineering. 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, and various allowances based on individual circumstances.