Mixed-Signal IC Test Engineer (EP-ESE-ME-2026-64-GRAP) at CERN

Are you ready to work at the intersection of cutting-edge electronics and photonics technologies with the forefront of particle physics? Join the Experimental Physics Department and contribute to our detector R&D programme for future High Energy Physics experiments at CERN. One of the key challenges for the next generation of detectors is transporting vast volumes of data off-detector while operating in extreme radiation environments, for which advanced optical links are an essential technology. Within the High Speed Links Work Package, we are developing the next generation of radiation-tolerant communication building blocks by combining custom high-speed ASICs and Silicon Photonics components that interoperate with off-the-shelf optical modules and FPGA systems as we move from component prototypes to full system demonstrators. We are looking for a Test Engineer to take a leading role in the evaluation and qualification of a prototype high-speed, radiation-tolerant communication ASIC, part of a Silicon Photonics system, delivering a 100 Gbps data stream. You will help bring up new hardware, build robust test setups, and generate high-quality measurement results that guide design iterations and qualification. Your responsibilities: • Define and execute electrical and functional test plans for ASIC prototypes (bring-up, debugging, characterisation). • Develop FPGA firmware and Python tools for test automation, data acquisition, and data analysis. • Design, review, or improve high-speed test hardware (PCBs, fixtures, cabling), including signal-integrity considerations. • Plan and support radiation qualification campaigns, including Single Event Effects (SEE) and Total Ionising Dose (TID) experiments.Your profile: • Strong hands-on electronics lab skills (instrumentation, debugging, careful measurement practice). • Experience in one or more of: FPGA development, Python (automation/DAQ/analysis), high-speed PCB design/simulation. • A structured, rigorous approach to engineering work: test methodology, data quality, and clear documentation.Skills: • Hands-on electronics laboratory measurement skills (oscilloscope, SMU, signal generators; disciplined debugging). • FPGA firmware development and simulation. • Python for test automation, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting. • High-speed PCB knowledge (signal-integrity basics, layout constraints, fixtures/cabling for reliable measurements). • Clear technical documentation (test plans, procedures, review-ready reports). • Collaborative, structured engineering approach (root-cause analysis, reproducible experiments). • Radiation qualification experience (SEE and TID) is a plus. • Familiarity with ASIC design is a plus. • Knowledge of the Ethernet networking stack is a plus. • Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.Eligibility criteria: • You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. • You have a professional background in Electronics Engineering (or a related field) and have either: • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience; • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. • You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.