FPGA Developer

Join the Accelerators Systems Department (SY) within the Radio Frequency (RF) Group to develop FPGA firmware for amplifier interlock and protection systems as part of the CERN Proton Synchrotron RF system upgrade. The role involves FPGA firmware development, integration and testing of new RF systems, and development of Python tools for automated measurements and hardware validation.

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA firmware for an interlock and protection system as part of a new solid-state RF amplifier design.
• Support the integration, commissioning, and validation of the new interlock system within the PS RF infrastructure.
• Develop Python-based tools for automated hardware testing, measurements, and data analysis.
• Develop FPGA firmware for rapid fault-detection and protection systems for RF systems across the PS Complex.

Requirements

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State (excluding Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for 2026 start date).
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of 2 years of professional experience since graduation in the respective field.
• Your highest educational qualification is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree; you must have a university degree and cannot hold a PhD.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Initial experience in FPGA design and firmware development, preferably using VHDL is required.
• Familiarity with FPGA development environments and verification/debugging tools is required.
• Basic programming experience in Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis is required.
• Experience with PCB design and electronic circuit development is desirable.
• Your studies focused on Computer Science, Electrical Engineering.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Skills

• FPGA development
• Firmware Development
• VHDL
• FPGA Development Environments
• Verification Tools
• Debugging Tools
• Python Programming
• Automation Testing
• Data Analysis
• PCB Design
• Electronic Circuit Development

Languages

English, French