Electronics Engineer: LHCb Upgrade II project

TN United Kingdom; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an electronics engineer to support cutting-edge particle physics projects at a prestigious university. This role involves designing and testing advanced readout systems and high-speed data transmission technologies, collaborating with teams across Europe, and managing junior team members. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PCB design and electronics engineering, with opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment. Join a forward-thinking institution that values innovation and teamwork in the pursuit of scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience in electronics engineering with strong PCB design skills.
• Knowledge of PCB manufacturing and assembly, and testing semiconductor sensors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of readout electronic printed circuit boards for LHCb Upgrade 2.
• Design and test high-speed data transmission systems for VELO.

Skills

Circuit design

PCB design

Testing

Project management

Communication

Documentation

Teamwork

Vendor management

MS Office proficiency

Education

SCQF level 8 qualification or equivalent

SCQF level 9 qualification or equivalent (for grade 7)

Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Tools

Altium

Cadence

Python

Matlab

FPGA firmware programming

Semiconductor simulation tools

Job description

Job Purpose

To provide expert support to the Particle Physics Experiment (PPE) Group of the University of Glasgow by supplying readout electronics and high-voltage systems for the Mighty Tracker and Vertex Locator projects. The role involves integrating these systems within mechanical constraints, with other electronics systems, and with the LHCb Upgrade II data acquisition system.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead the development and adaptation of readout electronic printed circuit boards for the LHCb Upgrade 2 Mighty Tracker and VELO detectors, including the use of dedicated ASICs and FPGAs.
2. Design, fabricate, and test prototype electro-optical (E/O) readout systems for the Mighty Tracker, including developing validation systems to test the readout boards and confirm their functionality.
3. Design and test high-speed data transmission systems (GHz range) for the VELO.
4. Provide expert support in designing and characterising electronics boards, performing tests, and quality control of printed circuit boards.
5. Work autonomously, report weekly at group meetings, and prioritize tasks based on technical papers and collaboration meetings.
6. Supervise and manage junior team members and students, creating plans, schedules, and monitoring progress.
7. Collaborate with teams from other universities and laboratories in Europe.
8. Perform electronics design/testing activities at national and international laboratories.
9. Represent the university at collaboration meetings, providing reports on work progress.
10. Work with physicists, engineers, and technicians to set up measurement systems for characterising printed circuit boards and electronics.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential: A qualification at SCQF level 8 or equivalent, with experience in electronics engineering; strong PCB design skills; knowledge of PCB manufacturing and assembly; experience testing semiconductor sensors and electronics boards.

For grade 7: A higher qualification at SCQF level 9 or equivalent, with relevant experience.

Desirable: Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering; knowledge of electronics reliability models.

Skills: Circuit design, PCB design, testing, project management, communication, documentation, teamwork, vendor management, and proficiency with MS Office tools.

Desirable Skills: Experience with Altium, Cadence, Python, Matlab, FPGA firmware programming, and semiconductor simulation tools.

Experience: Relevant work or research experience, product management, vendor engagement, and PCB quality assurance experience.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Grade 6/7, £33,232 - £36,024 or £39,347 - £44,263 per annum. Full-time, 35 hours/week, funding for up to 2 years. The university promotes an inclusive community valuing ambition, excellence, integrity, and curiosity. Eligibility to work in the UK is required, and visa sponsorship applies if necessary.