Silicon Photonics Characterisation and Design Engineer - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Contribute to the electro-optical characterisation of custom-designed photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
• Validate the PIC measurement results against optical simulations
• Support the integration and evaluation of PICs with particle readout chips (ROCs)
• Prototype and demonstrate coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (CWDM) data-transmission systems
• Characterise and benchmark different data-link architectures
• Simulate and design a new generation of test PICs based on measurement results from existing PICs
• Present the progress to project meetings and conferences
• Document measurement and simulation results and methods

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience, or PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience, in Electronic Engineering or Physics or a related field
• Experience: Proven experience in design and simulation of photonic components and integrated photonic circuits; experience in laboratory characterisation of optical and photonic components using OSAs, tunable lasers, and power meters; proven experience in high-speed electro-optical measurements utilising pattern generators, oscilloscopes, error detectors, VNAs, and spectrum analysers; hands-on experience in…
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Expert user of photonic simulation tools (e.g., Ansys Lumerical, Synopsys RSoft), Proficient user of electronic and optical laboratory instrumentation, including high-speed measurement techniques, Expert user of C-based programming languages or Python, Expert in data analysis and visualisation using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent, Familiar with Linux-based development environments
• Eligibility: You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Contract and working arrangements

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

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: EP-ESE-BE (Electrical, Superconducting and Cryogenic Engineering, Beam Engineering).

Position details

Reference

EP-ESE-BE-2026-109-GRAP

Last Verified

27 August 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Silicon Photonics Characterisation and Design Engineer at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is EP-ESE-BE-2026-109-GRAP. The role falls under the Research domain.

- Full-time - Compensation: CHF 6,372 - CHF 7,004 - monthly

Join CERN's detector R&D program for future high-energy physics experiments, working on advanced optical communication technologies for next-generation particle detectors. In this role, you will contribute to the development of radiation-tolerant Silicon Photonics components for high-speed data transmission in challenging environments. Your work will include hands-on laboratory characterisation of Silicon Photonics circuits and the design of innovative photonic devices. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of photonics, electronics, and particle detection technologies.

Your responsibilities

- Contribute to the electro-optical characterisation of custom-designed photonic integrated circuits (PICs). - Validate the PIC measurement results against optical simulations. - Support the integration and evaluation of PICs with particle readout chips (ROCs). - Prototype and demonstrate coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (CWDM) data-transmission systems. - Characterise and benchmark different data-link architectures. - Simulate and design a new generation of test PICs based on measurement results from existing PICs. - Present the progress to project meetings and conferences. - Document measurement and simulation results and methods.

Your profile

- Proven experience in design and simulation of photonic components and integrated photonic circuits. - Experience in laboratory characterisation of optical and photonic components using OSAs, tunable lasers, and power meters. - Proven experience in high-speed electro-optical measurements utilising pattern generators, oscilloscopes, error detectors, VNAs, and spectrum analysers. - Hands-on experience in automation of measurement setups for opto-electronic devices. - Extended experience in analysis and interpretation of experimental and measurement data.

Skills

- Expert user of photonic simulation tools (e.g., Ansys Lumerical, Synopsys RSoft). - Proficient user of electronic and optical laboratory instrumentation, including high-speed measurement techniques. - Expert user of C-based programming languages or Python. - Expert in data analysis and visualisation using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent. - Familiar with Linux-based development environments. - 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 Electronic Engineering or 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.

Job closing date: 27.08.2026 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: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-November-2026

This position involves:

- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays. - Work in Radiation Areas. - Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-ESE-BE-2026-109-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark job: 200050 - Electronics 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.

Overview of CERN -Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe!TAKE PART!

More information about us, here:careers.cern

By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy apply

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 7 August 2026, 39 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 27 August 2026 (19 days ago).

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Research field browse our Research domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.