FPGA and Hardware Designer

What you'll do

Are you passionate about cutting-edge technology and eager to work on innovative projects? We are looking for an FPGA designer to join us. As part of our team, you will contribute to the White Rabbit project: 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 hardware and gateware (HDL) developer to work with us on the next generation of the WR switch (White Rabbit Switch v4). It is the core component of a WR network and now a new, higher performance version is under development. Join us and take an active role in the design of this fully open-source Ethernet switch!

Your responsibilities

Develop and maintain HDL modules (mostly VHDL).
Develop simulation test benches (mostly SystemVerilog).
Assist in the development of production tests to be conducted post-hardware manufacturing.
Assist in hardware design, reviews and production.
Develop automated tests, to be run on hardware in Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines.
Develop basic low-level software and firmware.
Participate in the hardware/software co-design process, where hardware, HDL, firmware, Linux device drivers and host applications are developed and reviewed together with software developers.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Experienced with AMD/Xilinx tools and FPGAs (Ultrascale, Zynq).
Experienced with software development for bare-metal and embedded Linux.
Knowledgeable of PCB design of analogue/digital circuits.
Experienced in measurements with oscilloscope, phase noise analyser.
Experience with Linux device drivers is desirable.
Your studies focused on Electronics Engineering.

Your skills

FPGA design and simulation using VHDL, Verilog or System Verilog.
Design of electronic circuits (schematics, PCB) based on FPGA or System-on-Chip.
Low-level C programming.
Git-based development, code reviews, merge requests and CI pipelines.
Python programming skills, including testing with PyTest, are desirable.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/04/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 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.

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.
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.