Electronics Technical Engineer (SY-RF-LL-2025-72-LD)

Introduction

Are you an electronics technical engineer, interested in design, production, installation and operation of complex electronic systems? Are you interested in how RF electronics helps to accelerate the particle beams? Take part!

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

You will join the Radio-Frequency group, Low Level RF section, responsible for the design and operation of the low-level radio-frequency (LLRF) systems for the whole accelerator chain – from the smallest linacs to the Large Hadron Collider. An important proportion of our duties represents assuring smooth and reliable, 24/7 operation for these systems (existing and future) and their continuous performance improvements.

Functions

As an Electronics Specialist (Design and Operations), you will join the team responsible for designing, operating, and supporting the electronics that control and accelerate proton and ion beams in the CERN accelerator complex. You will work on modules that may be custom-designed or sourced from industry, and you will develop the associated firmware and software. These modules typically include high-performance FPGAs or System-on-Chip (SoC) devices, fast ADCs, and analogue front-end electronics handling RF signals from 1 MHz to 3 GHz.

In addition to design and development, you will contribute to operational activities: coordinating system recommissioning after technical stops, tracking maintenance needs, implementing upgrades, and supporting beam tests and measurements.

You will:

• Develop firmware and embedded software to implement signal processing, feedback control, and data logging on FPGA-based systems.
• Contribute to the electronics specifications for upgrade and consolidation as well as new accelerator projects.
• Design mixed-signal electronic modules and coordinate their production, either with industrial partners or through CERN’s in-house design and manufacturing services.
• Develop Python scripts for hardware testing, RF system operation, and test report generation, and support higher-level software development.
• Test and commission devices and systems under your responsibility, both on dedicated test benches and in the accelerator environment.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation and deliver training to team members.
• Participate in the operation and maintenance of existing electronics systems.