Silicon Photonics Characterisation and Design Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is at the forefront of scientific research and technological advancement. Established in 1954, CERN has grown to become one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research, employing over 2,500 staff members and hosting thousands of scientists from around the globe. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its collaborative environment that fosters innovation and discovery. CERN's mission is to explore the fundamental structure of the universe, and it is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce, ensuring that every team member's contribution is valued and recognized.

Job Overview:
The Silicon Photonics Characterisation and Design Engineer will play a crucial role in CERN's detector R&D program, focusing on advanced optical communication technologies for next-generation particle detectors. This position involves hands-on laboratory characterization of Silicon Photonics circuits and the design of innovative photonic devices. The engineer will contribute to the development of radiation-tolerant Silicon Photonics components aimed at high-speed data transmission in challenging environments. The role requires a blend of skills in photonics, electronics, and particle detection technologies, providing an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of these fields. The engineer will be expected to validate measurement results against optical simulations, support the integration of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with particle readout chips, and prototype data transmission systems, among other responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Silicon Photonics Characterisation and Design Engineer include:

• Contributing to the electro-optical characterization of custom-designed photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
• Validating PIC measurement results against optical simulations to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Supporting the integration and evaluation of PICs with particle readout chips (ROCs) to enhance detector performance.
• Prototyping and demonstrating coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (CWDM) data-transmission systems to improve data handling capabilities.
• Characterizing and benchmarking different data-link architectures to identify optimal solutions.
• Simulating and designing a new generation of test PICs based on measurement results from existing PICs to drive innovation.
• Presenting progress at project meetings and conferences to share findings and gather feedback.
• Documenting measurement and simulation results and methods to maintain a comprehensive record of work conducted.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven experience in the design and simulation of photonic components and integrated photonic circuits. Additionally, experience in laboratory characterization of optical and photonic components using optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs), tunable lasers, and power meters is essential. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in high-speed electro-optical measurements utilizing pattern generators, oscilloscopes, error detectors, vector network analyzers (VNAs), and spectrum analyzers. Hands-on experience in automating measurement setups for opto-electronic devices is also required, along with extended experience in analyzing and interpreting experimental and measurement data.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Applicants should 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 never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before applying for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a solid level of experience in the relevant fields, with a focus on practical applications in photonics and electronics. A minimum of 2 years of post-graduation experience is expected for those with a Master's degree, while PhD holders should have relevant experience not exceeding 3 years. This experience should encompass both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the design and characterization of photonic systems.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial 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. Candidates should be prepared to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is EP-ESE-BE-2026-109-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 and additional benefits such as comprehensive health insurance, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.