Geneva, Switzerland What you'll do
You will join the Converter Controls Electronics (CCE) section to contribute to the development of high-performance digital control systems. Our team designs the electronics that drive power converters: essential components that power the magnets across the accelerator complex, ensuring the success of the injector chain. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic theory and high-reliability industrial engineering. You will transition from standard FPGA design to working on critical systems where precision and robustness are paramount. In this role, you will design VHDL for Xilinx Kintex-7 and Zynq UltraScale+ platforms and be encouraged to explore and implement advanced verification strategies. You will have the opportunity to research and apply “correct-by-construction” techniques and Formal Methods to help ensure that the control loops and interlocks driving our power converters operate safely and reliably.
Your responsibilities
- Translate control requirements into efficient, synthesizeable VHDL code.
- You will focus on implementing digital signal processing filters, PWM generation, and fast interlocks on Xilinx Kintex-7 targets.
- Design modular gateware that interfaces with embedded processors and external peripherals, ensuring clean clocking architectures and robust data paths.
- Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the FPGA CI pipeline.
- You will help ensure that simulations, synthesis, and timing analysis are automated and reproducible, promoting a modern, DevOps-style approach to hardware design.
- You will be tasked with improving the reliability of our designs. This involves researching Formal Verification methods (such as PSL or SystemVerilog Assertions) and, with the support of external training or resources, applying these techniques to validate critical protection logic.
- Perform functional simulations and Static Timing Analysis (STA) to ensure your designs meet the strict latency and timing requirements necessary for real-time power conversion control.
- Deploy your designs in the lab.
- You will use Integrated Logic Analyzers (ILA) and oscilloscopes to debug the interaction between the FPGA, the power stage, and the measurement systems.
- Contribute to the technical documentation, ensuring that design choices and verification results are recorded clearly for future reference and maintenance.
Still here? Let's make a quick check about
Your profile
- Demonstrated experience with digital logic design and FPGAs during your Bachelor's or Master's studies (e.g., final year projects, lab courses).
- Real world experience with debugging and proving your FPGA designs with Unit testing and simulation. Initial experience with formal verification is a plus, but not a requirement.
- Practical exposure to FPGA development environments (specifically Xilinx Vivado or ISE) gained through university coursework or internships.
- Prior internships in electronics, control systems, or embedded hardware are considered a strong asset.
- Your studies focused on Electronics or Computer Engineering.
Your skills
- Proficiency in VHDL is preferred (Verilog/SystemVerilog is also acceptable). You should understand the difference between code written for simulation and code written for synthesis.
- A solid grasp of synchronous design, Finite State Machines (FSMs), and standard interfaces (SPI, I2C, or memory buses).
- Experience writing self-checking testbenches (VUnit, cocotb...).
- A strong interest in learning Formal Verification methods (PSL/SVA) and the autonomy to apply new methodologies is essential.
- Familiarity with version control (Git) and scripting (Python, Tcl, or Bash) to automate build flows and testing is highly desirable.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.
Global Benefits at CERN
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 maximum of 2 years of professional experience since graduation in the respective field and your highest educational qualification is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You must have a university degree and can’t hold a PhD.
- 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
It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and development of new hardware and software for CERN’s accelerator complex.
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!
Ready To apply?
Be prepared with our resources and tips
All good?
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.