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

Become a member of a team that builds and operates the system to drive one of the large experiments of the CERN Large Hadron Collider!

The EP Department carries out basic research in the field of experimental and theoretical particle physics. It aims at providing a stimulating scientific atmosphere and remains an important reference centre for the European physics community. It contributes to the education and training of young scientists.

As an electronics/computing engineer, you will join the central detector control system team of the ATLAS experiment within the CERN ATLAS Detector Operation Group (ADO), which is responsible for enabling reliable supervision and control for a large variety of experiment equipment.

Functions

• Design and develop common control software and hardware for the ATLAS upgrades, both within the back­-end and front-end layers.
• Contribute to the successful integration of new subsystems of ATLAS upgrade phases into the ATLAS DCS from their design to commissioning stages.
• Provide support and guidance to sub-detector teams in improving and maintaining their control systems.
• Communicate and liaise effectively with CERN services, partners in the experiment collaboration, and external partners.
• Take part in the ATLAS operation duties.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of experimental physics, computing or engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Required:

• Extensive experience in using analog and digital electronics and in developing software for their control and monitoring,
• Demonstrated experience in working with embedded software and firmware on system-on-chip devices,
• Proven experience in working on large software projects with multiple developers using object-oriented programming languages, specifically C, C++ and python on Linux-based operating systems,
• Experience in working with relational databases.

Would be an advantage:

• Experience working in the operation of a Large High Energy Physics experiment,
• Experience in the integration, testing, design, and development of complex electronic systems, in particular also covering common electrical digital interfaces such as I2C, JTAG and CANbus,
• Experience in using FPGAs and custom ASICs in particular gigabit transceivers,
• Experience in evaluating the effects of ionizing radiation on digital electronics.

Technical competencies:

• Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software
• Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS: specifically for AMD System-On-Chip devices running embedded Linux.
• Testing and measurement of digital electronic circuits: including the creation of vertical slice hardware setups and associated higher level monitoring and control software.
• Design and simulation of FPGA-based electronics: in particular VHDL firmware development and PCB design.
• Design of databases/repositories

Behavioural competencies:

• Managing Self:
  • Actively seeking feedback on own performance and taking steps to improve it,
  • Taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Solving Problems:
  • Finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available,
  • Assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely,
  • Anticipating obstacles; assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
• Working in Teams:
  • Building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships,
  • Gaining trust and collaboration from others,
  • Understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.
• Demonstrating Flexibility:
  • Actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies,
  • Demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge:
  • Keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information,
  • Sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer,
  • Proposing ways to improve or streamline existing procedures, processes and methodologies.

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 14.06.2024

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.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-ADO-SO-2024-70-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Engineer