Firmware and Electronics Engineer - High Precision Timing Distribution (EP-ESE-BE-2025-97-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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you a skilled Electronics Engineer with demonstrated experience in FPGAs and timing distribution techniques. Join CERN’s Electronic Systems for Experiments group (ESE), to work in the High Precision Timing Distribution team.

The High Precision Timing Distribution (HPTD) project is dedicated to increasing the stability and precision of timing distribution networks in the HL-LHC experiments and beyond. The HPTD team investigates, develops and supports common solutions based on optical networks, FPGAs and other circuits (PLLs, CDRs, etc.) to distribute the accelerator’s clock to tens of thousands of Front-End nodes in the particle detectors.

You will join:

• The EP Department, responsible for carrying out research in the field of experimental particle physics. It aims to provide a stimulating scientific atmosphere and remains an important reference centre for the European physics community. It contributes to the education and training of hundreds of young scientists each year.
• The ESE Group, responsible for providing electronic systems for the experiments running in CERN’s accelerator complex. Its activities cover R&D, production, testing, installation, maintenance and support.
• The BE Section, responsible for designing and maintaining off-detector electronic systems. This includes modules equipped with high-end FPGAs for data processing and transmission, as well as precise timing signal distribution for synchronisation of the experiments. The team is also in charge of the development of radiation-tolerant opto-electronic links common to all detectors.

Functions

As a Firmware and Electronics Engineer you will:

• Study, implement and evaluate hardware and firmware solutions to enable high precision timing distribution (of the order of a few picoseconds) for the HL-LHC experiments. In particular, investigate the possibility of using White Rabbit technology for timing distribution from Back-End to Front-End electronics and solutions for data taking based on asynchronous clocks.
• Design hardware, firmware and software products optimizing the timing distribution for High Energy Physics Detectors.
• Keep up to date with state-of-the-art timing measurement methodologies.
• Perform targeted studies and characterization campaigns to assist experiments in their technical choices regarding timing.
• Provide guidance for users’ system characterization and performance assessment.
• Support the community with current and future timing distribution systems (TCLink, TTC-PON, GBTx/lpGBT FPGA IP cores, White Rabbit).
• Supervise students and graduates in the realization of these tasks.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electronics Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in the following areas are required for this post:

• Complex VHDL firmware development for FPGAs (including implementation of high-speed serial links (>=10Gb/s) and verification tools (including HDL simulation as well as timing and placement constraints). 
• Use, implementation and characterization of timing-related circuits like PLLs and CDRs including the use of relevant laboratory instrumentation, such as high-speed oscilloscopes and phase noise analysers.
• Testing and characterization of electronic circuits, based on FPGAs and high-speed serial links.
• Software scripting and programming languages (Python) and collaborative firmware development practices (Git).
• User support and documentation writing.
• Control theory principles.

Experience that would be considered an asset:

• Schematic design of electronics modules implementing high-speed links and the issues arising in the PCB layout of such boards would be an asset, as well as proven knowledge of signal integrity issues and tools.
• Supervision.

Technical competencies:

• Generation, processing, distribution and recovery of clock and timing signals.
• Design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics, in particular, FPGA firmware development in VHDL, implementation, and testing.
• Design and simulation of digital control loops and feedback systems.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages, in particular Python scripting and plotting.
• Testing and measurement of analog and digital electronic circuits, in particular with high-speed oscilloscopes and phase-noise analysers.

Behavioural competencies:

• Learning and sharing knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information; sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.
• Achieving results: being rigorous and producing quality results at first attempt; delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; following through on new ideas and innovations; planning and implementing application.
• Solving problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components; seeking and integrating other points of view when tackling an issue; consulting experts in the field and undertaking benchmarking; being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities; building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.
• Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working; actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 04.06.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

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

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-ESE-BE-2025-97-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Engineer

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