Digital Electronics and Firmware Engineer (BE-RF-CS-2019-122-LD)

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you a Hardware Engineer, experienced with FPGA development, who likes to be part of the bigger picture? Take this unique opportunity to challenge your skills by joining our team of controls engineers in the successful design and operation of radio-frequency feedback and control systems. CERN, take part!

You will join:

The Beams (BE) Department, which is responsible not only for the operation of all of CERN's accelerators, but also for a number of the specialised technologies and disciplines required for the design, construction and  operation of particle accelerators.

The Radio Frequency (RF) Group, in the BE Department, which is responsible for RF technology and the operation of the RF acceleration and transverse damping systems in all the CERN accelerators. A significant part of the RF Group's activity is dedicated to accelerator upgrades and new projects.

The Servos & Controls Interface Section, in the RF Group, which is a cross-disciplinary team that provides expertise in all aspects of digital control of the RF systems, including hardware design with programmable logic, digital signal processing, process control with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), real-time control using VMEbus, MicroTCA and Industrial PC front-end computers, and application software running on operator consoles.

Functions

As a Digital Electronics and Firmware Engineer in the Servos & Controls Interface Section, you will be working on RF signal processing and feedback applications as well as the interface between accelerator hardware and the control system. You will:

• Undertake the theoretical preparation, FPGA firmware development, deployment and beam commissioning of Low Level RF (LLRF) systems throughout the CERN accelerator complex. Take responsibility for the exploitation and future evolution of these systems.
• Participate in the development of future hardware platforms for digital LLRF. Define and coordinate the integration of these systems into the accelerator control system.
• Develop and maintain tools for development of FPGA firmware and management of design flow. Coordinate and support the use and evolution of these tools, according to best practices, in the various development projects in the RF group and in collaboration with other equipment groups.
• Participate in the operation and exploitation of RF equipment throughout the CERN accelerator complex, including as a member of the LLRF stand-by service.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electronics engineering. or a related field.

Experience:

Essential:

• Proven experience in the development of FPGA firmware and VHDL.
• Software development: scripting languages such as Python.
• Experience of Electronic Design Automation tools.
• Experience in the application of control theory.

Would be an advantage:

• Experience with high speed digital electronics and data links.
• Design of RF electronics.

Technical competencies:

• Design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages
• Design and simulation of digital control loops and feedback systems
• Design and simulation of digital electronic circuits

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships Working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: thinking "out of the box" and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies Keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information
• Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 05.01.2020

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence is required.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-RF-CS-2019-122-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Engineer

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further