Digital IC Design & Validation Engineer

What you'll do

Join CERN as a Digital IC Design & Validation Engineer and help shape the future of Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors for particle detectors. In this role, you will contribute to the design, verification, and lab-based validation of complex digital circuits, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of analog, verification, and instrumentation specialists.

Ideal candidates will have experience of digital design of ASICs or FPGAs, lab-based validation, and enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of speed, efficiency, and reliability in state-of-the-art detector systems.

Your responsibilities

Design architectures and digital circuits for monolithic pixel sensors and readout ASICs.
Develop synthesizable RTL (Verilog/VHDL) and contribute to system-level architecture.
Perform simulation, verification, and validation of digital designs.
Support post-silicon testing, including FPGA-based emulation, lab characterisation, and integration with detector systems.
Collaborate closely with analog/mixed-signal designers, detector physicists, and system engineers.
Contribute to documentation, design reviews, and project planning.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Background in electronics and instrumentation;
1-3 years of experience in digital IC design (academic or industrial);
Experience of RTL design (Verilog/SystemVerilog or VHDL);
Experience of lab testing, post-silicon validation, FPGA prototyping;
Knowledge of digital simulation and verification tools;
Familiarity with synthesis, timing analysis, and physical IC design flows;
Knowledge of radiation-tolerant designs is a plus;
Your studies focused on Electronics Engineering.

Your skills

RTL design using hardware description languages (Verilog/SystemVerilog, VHDL);
Digital electronics, instrumentation, sensing;
Development or utilisation of lab testing set-ups and equipment;
Lab measurements and data analysis;
Scripting languages (Python, TCL, Shell);
Ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment;
Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail;
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2026

Contract duration: 24 month contract

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

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

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly stipend between 6287-6911 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)
Any document you consider relevant to your application
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)

Your CERNDepartment

The EP department conducts research in experimental particle physics and serves as a key reference center for the European physics community, contributing to the education and training of young scientists.

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.