Electronics Technician

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. It employs physicists and engineers who utilize 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 groundbreaking research and innovation. The organization has a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity as a core principle since its inception.

Job Overview:
As an Electronics Technician within the Electronic Systems for Experiments Group (ESE) of the Experimental Physics Department (EP) at CERN, you will play a crucial role in the design, development, procurement, assembly, and testing of electronic systems and ASICs for various CERN experiments. This position requires a hands-on approach to work with electronic components, printed circuit boards, and multi-chip modules that are essential for powering, reading out, and controlling particle detectors. You will collaborate with a team of engineers and technicians to ensure that all electronic systems meet the high standards required for cutting-edge scientific research. Your contributions will directly impact the success of experiments that seek to uncover the fundamental laws of nature.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include designing and developing electronic circuits, including schematic capture and PCB layout, while supporting the procurement of electronic components and managing stock. You will also be responsible for logistics and quality control of large-volume procurements of detector modules. Conducting quality inspections of components and assembled circuits to ensure compliance with acceptance criteria will be a key part of your role. Additionally, you will assemble, troubleshoot, and rework PCBs, including soldering surface-mount devices and connectors. You will conduct functional and performance tests on circuits using electronic measurement instruments and document the results. Developing and maintaining test equipment, including automation software for testing processes, will also be part of your duties. Furthermore, you will execute electrical and optical cabling, including the fabrication of cable harnesses and cable assemblies, and design mechanical parts using CAD tools, manufacturing them with machine tools, CNC machines, and 3D printers.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in Electronics Engineering or a related field. You should be detail-oriented and have a hands-on professional background in electronics or mechatronics. Experience in assembling, testing, and troubleshooting electronic boards and systems is essential, along with skills in PCB design and familiarity with manufacturing processes. You should be comfortable working with laboratory instruments and developing test equipment for circuit diagnostics. A solid understanding of industrial standards and quality control practices is also required, as well as a commitment to delivering high-quality results reliably and on time. The ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a higher technical diploma in Electronics Engineering or a closely related field. This educational foundation should provide you with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in the role of Electronics Technician at CERN.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in the field of electronics or mechatronics, particularly in assembling, testing, and troubleshooting electronic boards and systems. A proven track record of working with PCB design and manufacturing processes is highly desirable. Experience in quality assurance techniques and instrumentation and measurement techniques will also be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a commitment to learning French is expected, as it will enhance communication within the diverse environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of applying for an indefinite position subject to certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job flexibility is fully onsite. The role involves working in radiation areas and conducting interventions in underground installations, which may require a valid driving license. The job grade is classified as 3-4, and the reference for this position is EP-ESE-FE-2025-264-LD. CERN offers a competitive salary that is tax-free and increases with relevant experience, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances. There is also a possibility to extend the contract up to 8 years, along with eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.