Firmware & FPGA Development Engineer

About the role

The SY‑BI group in CERN’s Accelerator Systems Department develops and operates the instruments used to observe particle beams and measure their key properties. You will contribute to the development of next‑generation beam‑position monitoring systems for CERN’s injector complex, including the pre‑accelerators and Antimatter Decelerator. This role offers a hands‑on opportunity at the intersection of digital electronics, embedded systems, real‑time signal processing, and accelerator physics.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, integrate and test FPGA gateware and embedded SoC firmware for a SoC device.
• Implement data‑acquisition and real‑time digital signal‑processing algorithms.
• Validate system performance in laboratory and accelerator environments.
• Perform data analysis in Python.
• Assist measurement campaigns in the accelerator complex.
• Collaborate with engineers, physicists and technicians across CERN.

Required profile

• Experience in digital signal processing.
• Demonstrated experience with FPGA and SoC.
• Software programming experience (Python, C++).
• Knowledge of Verilog and SystemVerilog.
• Knowledge of digital electronics.
• Fluent English with a commitment to learn French.
• Eligibility: national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, relevant degree (Master’s with 2‑6 years experience or PhD with ≤3 years), and no prior CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Required skills

• FPGA
• System‑on‑Chip (SoC)
• Verilog
• SystemVerilog
• Python
• C++
• Digital signal processing
• Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC / RFSoC
• Digital electronics

What we offer

• Monthly net stipend of 6 372 CHF or 7 004 CHF depending on degree.
• 30 days paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Comprehensive health insurance for you and family, and CERN pension fund membership.
• Family, child and infant allowances where applicable.
• Relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) where applicable.
• Possibility to extend contract up to 36 months.
• On‑the‑job and formal training, including language classes.