Electrical Engineer

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 a diverse international workforce, CERN operates in multiple countries and collaborates with scientists from around the globe. The organization is dedicated to probing the fundamental structure of the universe, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN's mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of the universe through cutting-edge research in particle physics.

Job Overview:
The position of Electrical Engineer at CERN is a unique opportunity for a self-driven individual with expertise in PLC-based SCADA systems, particularly in large installations. The successful candidate will join the CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) experiment, which is one of CERN's flagship projects and is undergoing significant upgrades to ensure its operation until the early 2040s. The role involves designing and integrating reliable safety systems, custom sensors, and radiation-tolerant electronics within a complex underground detector environment. The engineer will be responsible for hardware procurement, testing, and collaborating closely with a diverse team of international engineers, technicians, and physicists. This position is critical for maintaining the safety and operational integrity of the CMS sub-detectors protection system, interfacing with the Central Detector Safety System (DSS).

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a member of the CMS Technical coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination team, the Electrical Engineer will coordinate and lead a small team of experts from various CMS detector systems to ensure coherence and synergies for all subdetector protection systems interfacing with the Central DSS. Key responsibilities include: leading reviews of safety/protection system logic and action matrices; completing the development, testing, and implementation of necessary sensors for environmental control and monitoring of CMS detector systems; finalizing custom control/readout electronics systems and integrating them with PLC systems; developing software for safe and reliable PLC operation and integrating it within the global CMS Safety System; coordinating the construction of CMS upgrade subdetector protection systems; organizing procurement of parts across subsystems; allocating technical resources and setting priorities; supporting subdetector teams during the commissioning phase of safety systems; and supervising CERN graduates, students, and interns.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Electrical Engineering or a related field. A strong track record in the design, implementation, testing, operation, and maintenance of large PLC-based SCADA systems is essential. The ideal candidate should have proven abilities in programming PLCs, developing and maintaining software that interfaces with PLCs, and monitoring and archiving sensor-based data. Skills in evaluating environmental sensors for long-term reliable performance in harsh environments are required, with experience in high magnetic or radiation fields being advantageous. Basic knowledge of procuring industrial and custom devices and familiarity with 3D CAD tools for modeling complex PLC-rack-cabling integration are also beneficial. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work successfully within multinational and multicultural teams.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is required for this position. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should include a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, particularly as they relate to PLC systems and SCADA technology.

Experience:
The position requires a strong background in the design, implementation, testing, operation, and maintenance of large PLC-based SCADA systems. Candidates should have experience in developing feedback loops and interlock mechanisms, as well as programming PLCs and developing software for data monitoring and actions based on sensor data. Experience in evaluating environmental sensors and working in high magnetic or radiation fields is a plus. The ability to work effectively in a team and manage projects across various phases of development is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learn French being a valuable asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration within the diverse international team at CERN.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of applying for an indefinite position subject to certain conditions. The working hours are 40 hours per week, and the role is fully onsite. The position involves work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, requiring a valid driving license. Candidates may be required to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays based on organizational needs. Due to occupational health risks, selected candidates must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The job grade for this position is 6-7, and the job reference is EP-CMX-SCI-2025-250-LD.