ASIC Digital Designer

About the role

CERN is seeking an ASIC Digital Designer to join its team in Geneva, Switzerland. This position is integral to the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) division, specifically within the TS-IMS Section, which focuses on developing advanced radiation monitoring equipment. You will contribute to the design and development of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) that interface with safety-critical monitoring systems, ensuring compliance with stringent performance and reliability standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Collaborate with a team of engineers and technicians to design, simulate, and validate the digital architecture for next-generation ASIC front-end systems.
• Create Register Transfer Level (RTL) designs in preparation for tapeout, utilizing open-source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, including tasks like floorplanning and physical design setup.
• Participate in post-fabrication processes, including hardware bring-up, system characterization, and validation of functional and performance criteria.
• Work closely with teams focused on analogue designs, verification, and System-on-Chip (SoC) integration to ensure compatibility at the system level.
• Document design processes and results, maintaining thorough records for future reference and audits.
• Engage in troubleshooting and debugging of hardware prototypes to enhance performance and reliability.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions regarding project timelines and milestones.
• Stay updated with advancements in ASIC design methodologies and EDA tools, ensuring that your skills remain relevant and effective.

Requirements

• Proven experience with open-source ASIC EDA tools (such as Yosys, OpenROAD, LibreLane) spanning from RTL to GDSII.
• Familiarity with the processes involved in floorplanning, defining constraints, and preparing physical designs for tapeout.
• Experience in post-tapeout prototype bring-up and hardware debugging is a plus.
• Contributions to open-source hardware projects or EDA toolchains are highly regarded.
• Background in developing submodules for SoC designs is advantageous.
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronics or a related field, with a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation.
• Candidates must be nationals of CERN Member or Associate Member States.
• Previous applicants for CERN fellow or graduate contracts are not eligible.
• A PhD is not a qualifying degree for this role.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in hardware description languages (HDL) such as VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog.
• Strong teamwork capabilities, with effective collaboration skills across various engineering domains, including analogue and digital teams.
• Experience with Git and familiarity with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and automated verification workflows.
• Knowledge of RISC-V architecture and its application in modern ASIC design.
• Understanding of mixed-signal integration and digital interface protocols.
• Proficiency in using Linux-based development environments and scripting languages for automation, particularly Python and Bash.

Skills & tools

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to approach complex challenges methodically.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, with a willingness to learn French.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse team, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Familiarity with various ASIC design methodologies and the latest trends in hardware development.

Practical notes

• The position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, with a contract duration of 24 months, starting on October 1, 2026.
• The role is classified under the field of Electrical or Electronics Engineering, with a benchmark job title of Electronics Engineer (200050).
• The application deadline is set for August 17, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.

Global Benefits

• A competitive monthly stipend ranging from 5,266 to 5,793 Swiss Francs, tax-exempt, based on your academic qualifications.
• A generous leave policy offering 30 days of paid vacation annually, along with an additional two weeks of annual closure.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your family, including your spouse and children, along with membership in the CERN Pension Fund.
• Monthly allowances for family, children, and infants, adjusted based on individual circumstances.
• A relocation package that may include installation grants and travel reimbursements, depending on your situation.
• Opportunities for contract extension up to 36 months, along with formal training and on-the-job learning, including language classes.

Overview of CERN

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is at the forefront of scientific exploration and technological advancement. Our work not only involves physicists but also a wide array of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative backgrounds. We encourage innovation and collaboration, providing a stimulating environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

We face challenges and opportunities daily that contribute to groundbreaking research, enhancing our understanding of the universe. Diversity is fundamental to CERN's mission, and we remain committed to fostering an inclusive community. If you are eager to join a dynamic team that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and discovery, CERN is the place for you. For more information about our organization and opportunities, please visit our careers page.