Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Developer

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Job Description

Are you passionate about digital design, digital signal processing, and experimental accelerator physics? Do you want to contribute to the modernisation of CERN's advanced linear accelerators? If so, this is an exceptional opportunity to bridge laboratory innovations with hands-on commissioning at a world-class facility.

In this role, you will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY) and work within the Radio Frequency (RF) Group. The group is responsible for the design, operation, and maintenance of the RF acceleration and deflecting systems across the entire CERN accelerator complex. As part of an ongoing consolidation and performance upgrade Low-Level Radio Frequency (LLRF) systems are being modernised. You will contribute directly to the design, prototyping, and implementation of a next-generation digital LLRF cavity controller.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop FPGA firmware implementing precise real-time phase, amplitude, and resonance tuning algorithms.
• Design and integrate firmware components and fast diagnostic sub-systems.
• Develop Python-based tools and frameworks for automated hardware testing, parameter characterisation, and laboratory data analysis.
• Support the integration, laboratory validation, and commissioning of the new low-level cavity controllers directly.

Your profile:

Required experience:

• Experience in FPGA design and firmware development, preferably using VHDL.
• Familiarity with FPGA development environments and verification/debugging tools.
• Programming experience in Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis.

Desired experience:

• Experience modeling or simulating digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms or control loops.
• Exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) concepts, basic control theory (like PID loops), or electronics hardware debugging.
• Familiarity with hardware testing and developing automated test benches for hardware validation.

Skills:

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in digital design and FPGA development, ideally utilising VHDL or Verilog.
• Solid programming skills in Python.
• Ability to troubleshoot and validate mixed-signal hardware systems.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of digital signal processing techniques, such as digital filtering, mixing, or I/Q modulation/demodulation.
• Understanding of basic feedback control systems and control theory.
• Familiarity with version control workflows using Git and continuous integration (CI).

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Electronics Engineering (or a related field) and 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.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6,372-7,004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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