FPGA Developer (SY-RF-LL-2026-129-GRAP) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 2 days ago
Role overview
Are you passionate about digital design, digital signal processing, and experimental accelerator physics?
Do you want to contribute to the modernisation of CERN's advanced linear accelerators?
If so, this is an exceptional opportunity to bridge laboratory innovations with hands-on commissioning at a world-class facility.
- Are you passionate about digital design, digital signal processing, and experimental accelerator physics?
- Do you want to contribute to the modernisation of CERN's advanced linear accelerators?
- Your responsibilities:
- Develop FPGA firmware implementing precise real-time phase, amplitude, and resonance tuning algorithms.
- Required
- Experience in FPGA design and firmware development, preferably using VHDL.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities:
- Develop FPGA firmware implementing precise real-time phase, amplitude, and resonance tuning algorithms.
- Design and integrate firmware components and fast diagnostic sub-systems.
- Develop Python-based tools and frameworks for automated hardware testing, parameter characterisation, and laboratory data analysis.
- Support the integration, laboratory validation, and commissioning of the new low-level cavity controllers directly.
- More information here .
Key requirements
- Required
- Experience in FPGA design and firmware development, preferably using VHDL.
- Familiarity with FPGA development environments and verification/debugging tools.
- Programming experience in Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis. Desired experience:
- Experience modeling or simulating digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms or control loops.
- Exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) concepts, basic control theory (like PID loops), or electronics hardware debugging.
- Familiarity with hardware testing and developing automated test benches for hardware validation. Skills: Required Skills:
- Proficiency in digital design and FPGA development, ideally utilising VHDL or Verilog.
- Solid programming skills in Python.
- Ability to troubleshoot and validate mixed-signal hardware systems.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Desired Skills:
- Knowledge of digital signal processing techniques, such as digital filtering, mixing, or I/Q modulation/demodulation.
Company and context
- Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization. Job reference: SY-RF-LL-2026-129-GRAP
- Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering Benchmark job: 200050 Electronics Engineer Global Benefits
- 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.
- At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology.
Additional details
- You will contribute directly to the design, prototyping, and implementation of a next-generation digital LLRF cavity controller.
- Programming experience in Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis. Desired experience:
- Familiarity with hardware testing and developing automated test benches for hardware validation.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
- Familiarity with version control workflows using Git and continuous integration (CI). Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum. Working hours: 40 hours per week Job flexibility: Hybrid Target start date: 01-September-2026 This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations. A valid driving licence.
- Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization. Job reference: SY-RF-LL-2026-129-GRAP
- Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering Benchmark job: 200050 Electronics Engineer
Notes and original content
- Your profile:
- Programming experience in Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis.
- Desired experience:
- Desired Skills:
- Familiarity with version control workflows using Git and continuous integration (CI).
- Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
- Working hours: 40 hours per week
- Job flexibility: Hybrid
- Target start date: 01-September-2026
Questions about this listing
What salary does CERN offer for this role?
CERN lists CHF 63'000 - 107'500 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.
