Embedded Software Engineer

What you'll do

Are you passionate about cutting-edge technology and eager to work on innovative projects? We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to join the Electronics Design and Low-Level Software to join our team.

As part of our team, you will contribute to the White Rabbit (WR) project [1]: a CERN-born technology and now an industry-standard that provides sub-nanosecond synchronisation and deterministic data transfer to distributed devices interconnected with a WR network.

We are looking for a skilled Embedded Software Developer to work on the next generation of the WR switch (White Rabbit Switch v4, [2]). It is the core component of a WR network and now a new version is under development. Join us and take an active role in the design of this fully open-source Ethernet switch!

[1] https://gitlab.com/ohwr/project/white-rabbit/-/wikis/home

[2] https://gitlab.com/ohwr/project/wr-switch-hw-v4/-/wikis/home

Learn more

Your responsibilities

Develop and maintain software and firmware for the WR Switch, including its Linux-based operating system.
Participate in bringing up and debugging new hardware versions.
Maintain git repos.
Develop, maintain and perform WR Switch tests, including hardware in Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines, performance and compliance tests.
Assist in the development of production tests to be conducted post-hardware manufacturing.
Collaborate with your colleagues in the hardware/software co-design process, where HDL, firmware, Linux device drivers and host applications are developed and reviewed together.
Collaborate with external companies, universities and public institutes.
Ensure thorough and up-to-date documentation is in place.
Prepare firmware release.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Development of embedded Linux software and bare-metal firmware.
Working with an embedded Linux distribution running on SoC of AMD/Xilinx FPGAs.
Performance and/or compliance testing using dedicated instrumentation.
Debugging of hardware.
Your studies focused on Software Engineering.

Your skills

Low-level programming in C, including bare-metal skills are required.
Knowledge in embedded Linux and Linux Device drivers is required.
Proficiency in git-based development, code reviews, merge requests and CI pipelines is required.
Proficiency in Python is required.
Knowledge in testing frameworks, PyTest is advantageous.
Basics of FPGA development (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog) are advantageous.
Capability of understanding PCB schematics is an advantage.
Knowledge in networking and synchronisation protocols (e.g. NTP, PTP) is advantageous.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month 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.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation. You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The BE department is at the heart of CERN's accelerator complex.

Its mission is to lead the development, construction, and operation of advanced particle accelerators, and to provide cutting-edge technology solutions that enable new discoveries in fundamental physics. Committed to promoting a culture of excellence, creativity and collaboration, individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to the advancement of science and technology, as well as engaging in scientific education, outreach, and broader knowledge and technology transfer initiatives.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.