Embedded Control Software Engineer (BE-CEM-MRO-2025-150-LD)

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Introduction:

Are you passionate about embedded systems and motion control? Want to see your code drive real-world machinery with micrometre precision? Join CERN and help develop advanced control software for some of the world’s most sophisticated machines. 

You will join the Beams Department (BE), the Controls Electronics and Mechatronics Group (CEM), and more specifically the Mechatronics, Robotics and Operation (MRO) section.

You'll be part of a team that designs, controls, and operates Beam Intercepting Devices (BIDs) and remote robotic systems for high-radiation environments. Your focus will be embedded software development for critical motion systems, including: 

• The SAMbuCa project: renovating control systems for LHC Collimators. 

• The LHC FRAS: finalizing and commissioning motion control for Long Shutdown 3 (LS3). 

Functions:

• Develop, test, and maintain real-time embedded software for BID motion control.
• Program bare-metal or RTOS-based systems on SoCs, microcontrollers, and APUs.
• Interface with FPGAs, sensors, actuators, and safety systems.
• Integrate software into complex control architectures with mechatronics and electronics teams.
• Design, tune and validation of motion control algorithms (position, velocity, torque).
• Set up toolchains, CI/CD pipelines, and run system validation and commissioning.
• Simulate failure scenarios and ensure safety compliance.
• Document systems, analyze logs, and troubleshoot performance issues.
• Contribute to the modelling, simulation, and verification of embedded behavior in motion control loops and failure scenarios.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and mentor junior engineers. 

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of robotics, mechatronics, electrical or electronic engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Design, development and configuration of embedded real-time control software for motion systems on bare metal or RTOS using microcontrollers, SoCs, APUs, or embedded platforms (e.g., ARM Cortex-M/R, TI C2000, or Xilinx Zynq), including toolchain setup and hardware/software integration.
• Strong understanding of low-level motion control, including the implementation of position, velocity, and/or torque control algorithms in resource-constrained systems.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces and communication protocols, such as SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, or custom FPGA-based interfaces.
• Experience with sensors, actuators, and commissioning in complex mechatronic systems.
• Hands-on testing, debugging, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in safety-critical and/or high-reliability environments.
• Experience with power electronics for motor drivers would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: (C/C++).
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: (version control, IDE/toolchains, Agile/Scrum methodologies).
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software (unit testing, hardware in the loop testing, continuous integration and automated testing, regression testing, runtime diagnostics, power and resource optimizations).
• Knowledge and application of automation and control theory (PID, compensators, stability analysis, interrupt-driven controls etc.).

Behavioural competencies:

• Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Demonstrating accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises; presenting information accurately and objectively; taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind; driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's 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 24.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions:

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-CEM-MRO-2025-150-LD

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