Electronics Engineer (TE-MPE-MI-2021-51-LD)

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Introduction

Joining the Technology Department, you will work in the MPE group responsible for a variety of magnet and beam related protection and interlock systems across the CERN accelerator complex. As an electronics engineer, you will take part in the definition, design, procurement, implementation and exploitation of custom-made electronics of the Beam Interlock Systems across the CERN accelerator complex. The Beam Interlock Systems are a fundamental part of the systems to protect the accelerators against possible damage from beam impact. They are designed to very high standards and must be proven to operate with the required high levels of reliability and availability.

See also: https://mpe.web.cern.ch/home

Functions

As an Electronics Engineer in the Machine Interlocks section your main tasks will involve:

• Participate in the design of the second-generation Beam Interlock Systems to be installed throughout the accelerator chain in the coming years. Ensure that the new protection electronics devices meet the electrical, mechanical and radiation tolerance specification and follow-up production and testing.
• Write, document and maintain the firmware for the protection electronics based on FPGAs.  
• Support the production and testing, internal and external to CERN, of the various types of circuit boards required for the Beam Interlock System.
• Actively follow-up the daily operation and maintainance of the Beam Interlock System in the LHC and other CERN accelerators. This includes interventions on the installed hardware thoughout the accelerator complex and the usage and improvement of automatic system analysis tools. Provide support and quidance to software teams to provide solutions in the accelerator control system related to the operation of the Beam Interlock System.
• Define and update the implementation of the standard interlock solutions for new machines and connections, writing the specifications, following-up the installation and testing up to the first operation of the new systems with beam.

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electronics Engineering, Controls or Systems Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• Extensive experience with operation and maintenance of electronics systems.
• Extensive experience in the field of electronics design for digital and mixed signal systems based on FPGAs.
• Extensive experience in FPGA programming (VHDL or Verilog). Proven knowledge of other logic devices such as DSPs and microcontrollers would be an advantage.
• Proven experience with electrical measurement techniques. Previous experience with LabWindows/CVI and LabVIEW based data acquisition and test systems would be an advantage.
• Proven knowledge of Python or other OOP languages.

Technical competencies

• Design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics.
• Design and simulation of digital electronic circuits.
• Design and simulation of optoelectronic systems.
• Testing and measurement of digital electronic circuits.
• Knowledge and application of quality and reliability assurance techniques in electronics.

Behavioural competencies

• Solving problems: producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements. 
• Achieving results: following through on new ideas and innovations; planning and implementing application Driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships Working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating flexibility: demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.

Language skills

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

Eligibility and closing date

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 16.06.2021 at 12PM CET. 

Employment conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Work in radiation areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving license is required.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6–7
Job reference: TE-MPE-MI-2021-51-LD
Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Engineer