Study Converter Digital Control Architectures

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 multiple countries and is dedicated to probing the fundamental structure of the universe. The organization employs a diverse workforce, which is central to its mission and success, and has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The position involves studying converter digital control architectures for the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a next-generation particle accelerator. The successful candidate will create a model and a parameterized scenario building tool to compare different architectures. The results of this work will be crucial in selecting the most suitable control philosophy for power converters used in the FCC, with a focus on optimizing dependability while balancing capital investment (CAPEX) and ongoing operational costs (OPEX). This role requires collaboration with power converter experts and other teams within CERN to develop a comprehensive model of the FCC control system and its major equipment elements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include working with power converter experts to understand the total number and types of converters needed for the FCC, deriving reliability metrics for the converter control systems based on current operational information, and building a parameterized model to derive CAPEX, OPEX, and dependability metrics. The candidate will also expand upon architectures using the model and extract various scenarios. Collaboration with other departments is essential to create an exhaustive model of the FCC control system and its components.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a basic understanding of dependability, including methods to quantify availability, perform sensitivity analysis, and identify weaknesses. Experience in programming, particularly with Python, is required for building the necessary tools. Familiarity with analysis and statistics is also important, as the role involves carrying out sensitivity analyses and interpreting parameter spaces. Strong skills in writing test reports, presenting results, and working as part of a team are essential. Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic, Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Candidates without a university degree are not eligible, and those with a PhD are also not eligible for this position. The educational background should be relevant to the responsibilities of the role, particularly in engineering disciplines.

Experience:
Candidates should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. This experience should be relevant to the field of Electronic, Systems, or Electrical Engineering, and should demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Previous experience at CERN as a fellow or graduate contract holder disqualifies applicants from consideration for this position.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory. Candidates should also be committed to learning the basics of the other language, which is essential for effective communication within the diverse environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position 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 the position is March 1, 202

• The job reference number is SY-EPC-CCE-2025-259-GRAE. The position offers a monthly stipend ranging from 5196 to 5716 Swiss Francs (net of tax), along with coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, membership in the CERN Pension Fund, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and will receive on-the-job and formal training, as well as access to in-house language courses for English and/or French.