Power System Protection Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established in 195

• It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and employs over 2,500 staff members from various countries. CERN operates in 23 member states and collaborates with numerous international partners. Its mission is to explore the fundamental structure of the universe through advanced scientific research, particularly in particle physics, using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments.

Job Overview:
As a Power System Protection Engineer at CERN, you will play a crucial role in managing the lifecycle of protection relays within the electrical transmission and distribution network. This includes responsibilities from the design and procurement stages to commissioning and maintenance. You will be part of the Maintenance and Operation section of the Electrical Engineering group, which is tasked with ensuring the reliability and efficiency of CERN's electrical network. Your expertise will support the operation, maintenance, and development of these systems, which are vital for the functioning of one of the world's largest particle colliders. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high safety and operational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary duties will include updating and maintaining the protection plan for CERN's transmission and distribution network. You will lead the tendering process for implementing this plan, which involves preparing technical specifications and managing contracts related to the purchase of protection relays. Additionally, you will prepare technical notes and engineering specifications, report on project advancements, and program and test protection relay configurations. You will assist the design office in creating installation plans and calculating protection settings through fault simulations. Leading the commissioning of protection relays on-site will also be a key responsibility, which includes functional testing, current injections, and troubleshooting. You will develop a comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance plan, manage spare parts, and oversee specific refurbishment projects for obsolete protection relays. Furthermore, you will be part of the standby team responsible for corrective interventions during faults.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Electrical Engineering or a related field. A strong understanding of modern equipment associated with complex high voltage electrical networks (400 kV, 66 kV, 18 kV) is essential. Proven experience in protection relays, including commissioning and maintenance, fault simulations, and settings calculations is required. Familiarity with post-mortem fault analysis and experience using a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is also necessary. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of power systems, including sequence components, symmetrical and asymmetrical faults, and power flow analysis. Technical competencies in the construction, testing, and commissioning of electrical circuits and networks, as well as operation and maintenance of these systems, are crucial.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field is required for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in electrical principles, high voltage systems, and relevant engineering practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in the operation and maintenance of high-voltage electrical systems, including troubleshooting and repairs. Experience in commissioning protection relays and conducting fault simulations is essential, along with a proven track record in post-mortem fault analysis. Familiarity with CMMS and a strong understanding of power systems are also required.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract thereafter. The role requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, with flexibility for participation in standby duties, including nights, Sundays, and official holidays. Candidates must be prepared to work in radiation areas and underground installations, and a valid driving license is required. Due to occupational health risks, selected candidates must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The job grade is classified as 6-7.