Digital ASIC Designer (EP-ESE-ME-2026-134-GRAP) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
Join CERN's EP-ESE-ME section in the development of a radiation-tolerant microcontroller ASIC for use in future particle physics detectors and accelerator systems.
Operating in highly challenging radiation environments, these systems require robust and reliable embedded electronics.
The project is based on an open-source RISC-V processing core and the CERN SOCRATES (System-On-Chip Radiation-Tolerant Ecosystem) framework for fault-tolerant SoC design.
- Join CERN's EP-ESE-ME section in the development of a radiation-tolerant microcontroller ASIC for use in future particle physics detectors and accelerator systems.
- Operating in highly challenging radiation environments, these systems require robust and reliable embedded electronics.
- Your responsibilities:
- Strong understanding of digital logic design.
- Solid experience with digital IC design and RTL development (Verilog/SystemVerilog).
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities:
Key requirements
- Strong understanding of digital logic design.
- Solid experience with digital IC design and RTL development (Verilog/SystemVerilog).
- Familiarity with standard ASIC design flows (synthesis, place and route, timing closure).
- Knowledge of RISC-V architecture and its ecosystem.
- Experience with microcontroller-based embedded systems development, including firmware programming in C and peripheral interfacing. Skills:
- RTL design and simulation (Verilog / SystemVerilog).
- Familiarity with the digital ASIC design flow, including synthesis, place-and-route, timing closure, and sign-off activities.
- Knowledge of fault-tolerant design techniques and radiation effects in CMOS circuits is an asset.
- Microcontroller embedded systems development (firmware in C, peripheral interfacing, bare-metal programming).
- Scripting and automation (Python or equivalent).
- Linux/Unix working environment.
- Curiosity and willingness to learn in a multidisciplinary environment.
Application process
- Analyse application requirements across CERN's accelerator complex and particle physics detector systems to define technical specifications for the microcontroller ASIC.
- Contribute to the architecture, design, and validation of a radiation-tolerant microcontroller ASIC implemented in 65 nm or 28 nm CMOS technology.
- Support the definition of the SoC architecture, including the selection and configuration of an appropriate RISC-V processing core.
- Design, integrate, and validate peripheral IP blocks within the CERN SOCRATES framework.
- fault-tolerant design methodologies, including triple modular redundancy (TMR) and single-event upset (SEU) mitigation techniques.
- Participate in design verification activities and physical implementation, from RTL development through to tapeout.
- Contribute to post-silicon testing, characterisation, and validation following chip fabrication.
Company and context
- 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!
- More information about us, here: careers.cern
Additional details
- The successful candidate will contribute to the full development cycle, from requirements definition and system architecture to implementation, verification, and post-silicon validation.
- Apply fault-tolerant design methodologies, including triple modular redundancy (TMR) and single-event upset (SEU) mitigation techniques.
- Experience with microcontroller-based embedded systems development, including firmware programming in C and peripheral interfacing.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum. Working hours: 40 hours per week Job flexibility: Fully Onsite Target start date: 01-October-2026 Job reference: EP-ESE-ME-2026-134-GRAP
- Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering Benchmark job: 200050 Electronics Engineer
Notes and original content
- Your profile:
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
- Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
- Working hours: 40 hours per week
- Job flexibility: Fully Onsite
- Target start date: 01-October-2026
- Job reference: EP-ESE-ME-2026-134-GRAP
- Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering
- Benchmark job: 200050
Questions about this listing
What salary does CERN offer for this role?
CERN lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Genève. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does CERN offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with CERN during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Geneva?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Geneva can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Geneva's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at CERN?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to CERN's original listing at jobs.smartrecruiters.com, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
