Firmware and Electronics Engineer - High Precision Timing Distribution (EP-ESE-BELD)
Firmware and Electronics Engineer - High Precision Timing Distribution (EP-ESE-BELD)
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Job Description
Introduction
Are you a skilled Electronics Engineer with demonstrated experience in FPGAs and timing distribution techniques. Join CERNs Electronic Systems for Experiments group (ESE) to work in the High Precision Timing Distribution team.
The High Precision Timing Distribution (HPTD) project is dedicated to increasing the stability and precision of timing distribution networks in the HLLHC experiments and beyond. The HPTD team investigates develops and supports common solutions based on optical networks FPGAs and other circuits (PLLs CDRs etc.) to distribute the accelerators clock to tens of thousands of FrontEnd nodes in the particle detectors.
You will join:
- The EP Department responsible for carrying out research in the field of experimental particle physics. It aims to provide a stimulating scientific atmosphere and remains an important reference centre for the European physics community. It contributes to the education and training of hundreds of young scientists each year.
- The ESE Group responsible for providing electronic systems for the experiments running in CERNs accelerator complex. Its activities cover R&D production testing installation maintenance and support.
- The BE Section responsible for designing and maintaining offdetector electronic systems. This includes modules equipped with highend FPGAs for data processing and transmission as well as precise timing signal distribution for synchronisation of the experiments. The team is also in charge of the development of radiationtolerant optoelectronic links common to all detectors.
Functions
As a Firmware and Electronics Engineer you will:
- Study implement and evaluate hardware and firmware solutions to enable high precision timing distribution (of the order of a few picoseconds) for the HLLHC particular investigate the possibility of using White Rabbit technology for timing distribution from BackEnd to FrontEnd electronics and solutions for data taking based on asynchronous clocks.
- Design hardware firmware and software products optimizing the timing distribution for High Energy Physics Detectors.
- Keep up to date with stateoftheart timing measurement methodologies.
- Perform targeted studies and characterization campaigns to assist experiments in their technical choices regarding timing.
- Provide guidance for users system characterization and performance assessment.
- Support the community with current and future timing distribution systems (TCLink TTCPON GBTx/lpGBT FPGA IP cores White Rabbit).
- Supervise students and graduates in the realization of these tasks.
Qualifications :
Masters degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electronics Engineering or a related field.
Experience:
Demonstrated experience in the following areas are required for this post:
- Complex VHDL firmware development for FPGAs (including implementation of highspeed serial links (>10Gb/s) and verification tools (including HDL simulation as well as timing and placement constraints).
- Use implementation and characterization of timingrelated circuits like PLLs and CDRs including the use of relevant laboratory instrumentation such as highspeed oscilloscopes and phase noise analysers.
- Testing and characterization of electronic circuits based on FPGAs and highspeed serial links.
- Software scripting and programming languages (Python) and collaborative firmware development practices (Git).
- User support and documentation writing.
- Control theory principles.
Experience that would be considered an asset:
- Schematic design of electronics modules implementing highspeed links and the issues arising in the PCB layout of such boards would be an asset as well as proven knowledge of signal integrity issues and tools.
- Supervision.
Technical competencies:
- Generation processing distribution and recovery of clock and timing signals.
- Design and simulation of FPGAbased electronics in particular FPGA firmware development in VHDL implementation and testing.
- Design and simulation of digital control loops and feedback systems.
- Knowledge of programming techniques and languages in particular Python scripting and plotting.
- Testing and measurement of analog and digital electronic circuits in particular with highspeed oscilloscopes and phasenoise analysers.
Behavioural competencies:
- Learning and sharing knowledge: keeping uptodate 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.
- Achieving results: being rigorous and producing quality results at first attempt; delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; following through on new ideas and innovations; planning and implementing application.
- Solving problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components; seeking and integrating other points of view when tackling an issue; consulting experts in the field and undertaking benchmarking; being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes.
- Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities; building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.
- Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working; actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies.
Language skills:
Spoken and written English with a commitment to learn French.
Additional Information :
Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERNs 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 04.06.2025 at 23:59 CEST.
Employment Conditions
Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions holders of limitedduration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
This position involves:
- Work during nights Sundays and official holidays when required by the needs of the Organization.
Job grade: 67
Job reference: EPESEBE202597LD
Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Engineer
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Contract
Employment Type
Contract
