Electronics Engineer (SY-RF-LHS-2024-12-GRAP)

Job Description

Your responsibilities

In this position, you will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY) and work within the Radio Frequency (RF) group, responsible for the acceleration and longitudinal control of the particle beams.

To enhance the future RF distribution within the CERN accelerator complex, an innovative approach based on Radio Frequency (RF) distribution over White-Rabbit has been developed. This technique is based on low noise oscillators synchronised over a fibre-optic ethernet network, in order to reduce RF noise, drifts and increase the operational flexibility.

As an Electronics Engineer, you will: 

• Develop electronics to increase the operational frequency of an existing RF White Rabbit based module from 200 MHz to 400MHz; 
• Actively participate in the specification, tendering process, and qualification of the future low-noise Master RF reference and distribution;
• Design, prototyping, and testing of low-noise electronic components and systems;
• Develop test setups and conduct full performance characterization of said systems;
• Collaborate closely with firmware and software engineers;
• Coordinating small series production and carry out functionality tests; 
• Lead the installation of a test system in the LHC, with the goal of commissioning the system; 
• Document hardware designs, testing procedures, and operational guidelines;
• Participation in the specification of RF components and the tendering process.

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Experience with design, simulation and construction of analog-digital electronic circuits and systems;
• Knowledge of design and simulation of control loops and feedback systems;
• Knowledge of testing and measurement of digital and analog electronic circuits;
• Experience in instrumentation and measurement techniques;
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: Python, C; Knowledge in design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics (e.g. VHDL);
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Electronic 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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 25.02.2024 at 23:59h (midnight) CET.

Job reference: SY-RF-LHS-2024-12-GRAP

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Target start date: 01-May-2024

This position requires:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6194 and 6808 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.

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