Electrical Engineer for Safety Systems

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. With over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe, CERN operates in 23 member states and collaborates with numerous other countries. The organization is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in particle physics and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among a diverse range of professionals.

Job Overview:
As an Electrical Engineer within the Engineering Department (EN), specifically the EN-AA-CSE team, you will play a crucial role in the Future Circular Collider (FCC) study. This project aims to develop designs for the next generation of particle colliders that could succeed the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Your work will focus on the feasibility study of the FCC, which includes assessing geological and environmental conditions, as well as designing the necessary infrastructures and safety systems. You will be involved in the reference design phase, where you will refine concepts to ensure a smooth transition to civil engineering procurement. Your contributions will be vital in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the FCC, particularly in the context of fire safety systems that will be implemented in a new underground facility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities will encompass a variety of technical and organizational tasks. You will conduct fire risk analyses in collaboration with safety experts and the study team, identifying potential solutions to mitigate fire risks. This includes both off-the-shelf and custom solutions tailored to the specific needs of the FCC. You will also be responsible for defining the high-level requirements for fire safety systems, as well as designing the electrical safety systems and their cabling and power requirements. Additionally, you will prepare technical studies, cost estimations, and project documentation, while reviewing documents from other groups and contractors. Developing quality plans and ensuring adherence to schedules will also be part of your role, which includes participation in relevant working groups. Furthermore, you will engage in hands-on activities related to personnel safety systems to gain practical experience in this specialized area.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this position, you must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and possess a professional background in Electrical Engineering or a related field. You should 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 experience. Importantly, you should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Additional qualifications that would be considered assets include experience in the fire safety domain, knowledge of radioactive environmental conditions, and familiarity with IEC 61508/61511 and EN 54 standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field. This academic foundation should be complemented by relevant professional experience, as outlined in the qualifications section. The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding of electrical engineering principles as well as practical applications in safety systems and fire risk management.

Experience:
Candidates should have previous professional experience in the electrical domain, particularly in areas such as power converters, electrical networks, and control systems. Experience in safety and/or critical systems engineering is essential, as this role will involve significant responsibilities related to fire safety systems. Familiarity with the specific challenges of underground installations and radioactive environments will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learn French being highly desirable. Knowledge of the French language will be considered an asset, as it will facilitate communication within the diverse team at CERN and enhance collaboration on safety systems.

Additional Notes:
This position is fully onsite and involves working in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations. The contract duration is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the target start date for this position is September 1, 202

• The job reference for this position is EN-AA-CSE-2026-112-GRAP. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6,372 to 7,004 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. A relocation package is also available, and opportunities for on-the-job training and formal training, including language classes, will be provided.