Firmware Developer - FPGA (EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-66-GRAP)

Job Description

Are you a passionate developer who enjoys solving complex problems and working with modern technologies? Join us in developing firmware for the next generation data acquisition and real-time processing system of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the LHC.

We are upgrading the CMS level-1 (L1) trigger system built on custom FPGA logic to handle the high data rates expected in the upcoming High-Luminosity LHC phase, including a novel L1 Data Scouting system to analyse all events using coarse L1 information, and designing a next-generation data acquisition system for it. You will develop the FPGA firmware for this data acquisition system and help test the first prototypes of its custom electronics boards.

This work is part of the NextGen Triggers project, a multi-year collaboration focused on applying AI and high-performance computing to trigger and data processing in LHC experiments.

Your responsibilities

• Develop firmware for data acquisition and real-time processing in the L1 Data Scouting demonstrator system, and potentially the online software to control the system.
• Contribute to the development and testing of the first prototypes of the new data acquisition electronics boards.
• Contribute to the development and operations of a demonstration system for the L1 Data Scouting concept
• Collaborate closely with members of the CMS L1 trigger and data scouting groups at CERN.
• Present project work and results at CERN-hosted and international conferences and workshops.

Your profile

• Experience with firmware development for AMD Xilinx FPGAs and Systems-on-chip (Versal, Zynq) is required.
• Experience with high-speed optical links and data acquisition / trigger systems of high energy physics experiments would be beneficial.
• Experience with electronics, e.g. reading schematics, configuring electronic components via I2C, etc., would be a plus.

Skills

• Knowledge of VHDL and of the AMD Xilinx firmware development tools (Vivado) is required.
• Knowledge of C++, python, git and containerised software would be a plus.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You have a professional background in Electronics, Computer Science, Physics (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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 29.04.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-July-2026

Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-66-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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