Silicon Photonics Characterisation and 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 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 Silicon Photonics Characterisation and Design Engineer will join CERN's detector R&D program, focusing on advanced optical communication technologies for next-generation particle detectors. This role 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. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of photonics, electronics, and particle detection technologies, contributing to the advancement of high-energy physics experiments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The engineer will be responsible for several key tasks, including contributing to the electro-optical characterization of custom-designed photonic integrated circuits (PICs), validating PIC measurement results against optical simulations, and supporting the integration and evaluation of PICs with particle readout chips (ROCs). Additional responsibilities include prototyping and demonstrating coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (CWDM) data-transmission systems, characterizing and benchmarking different data-link architectures, simulating and designing a new generation of test PICs based on measurement results from existing PICs, and presenting progress at project meetings and conferences. The engineer will also document measurement and simulation results and methods, ensuring thorough and accurate reporting of findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have proven experience in the design and simulation of photonic components and integrated photonic circuits. Experience in laboratory characterization of optical and photonic components using optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs), tunable lasers, and power meters is essential. Additionally, candidates should have proven experience in high-speed electro-optical measurements utilizing pattern generators, oscilloscopes, error detectors, vector network analyzers (VNAs), and spectrum analyzers. Hands-on experience in the automation of measurement setups for opto-electronic devices is also required, along with extended experience in the analysis and interpretation of experimental and measurement data.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a professional background in Electronic Engineering or Physics (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. It is important that candidates have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in the relevant fields. Candidates should have a strong background in the design and simulation of photonic components, as well as practical experience in laboratory settings. The ideal candidate will have a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, particularly in high-speed electro-optical measurements and the automation of measurement setups.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered a valuable asset for the position.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job is fully onsite. The target start date for this position is November 1, 202

• The role may involve working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The job reference is EP-ESE-BE-2026-109-GRAP, and the field of work is Electrical or Electronics Engineering. The benchmark job title is Electronics Engineer. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6372 to 7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax-free), 30 days of paid leave per year, and additional benefits such as comprehensive health insurance, family allowances, and a relocation package.