Electrical Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization 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 is known for its collaborative environment, bringing together professionals from various fields to foster innovation and scientific advancement. The organization operates in multiple countries and is committed to diversity and inclusion, making it a central part of its mission since its inception.

Job Overview:
The Electrical Engineer position at CERN involves working on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, which is one of the most advanced scientific instruments currently in operation. The role focuses on designing, developing, testing, procuring, implementing, operating, and commissioning highly reliable PLC-based SCADA systems for detector control (DCS) and environmental safety and protection (SEP). The engineer will support next-generation upgrades, including the High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) and Tracker detectors. This position is crucial for ensuring safe and stable operations in extreme conditions by implementing monitoring and feedback systems that manage temperature, humidity, and cooling processes, thereby contributing to the long-term performance of critical particle detection infrastructure. The engineer will be responsible for developing and commissioning the full DCS/SEP for the HGCAL, coordinating with a team of experts to ensure coherence and synergy throughout all phases of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Electrical Engineer include coordinating a team of experts from the HGCAL CMS detector system to ensure coherence and synergy with the overall CMS project. The engineer will finalize the development, procurement, and implementation of necessary hardware for the HGCAL SEP, including PLCs and environmental sensors. They will develop the DCS software tree for control and monitoring of all HGCAL hardware, ensuring rapid identification of issues by both non-experts and semi-experts. The engineer will also finalize the SEP and DCS for commissioning and operation of the full HGCAL underground, ensuring that feedback control and monitoring for thermal screens and cooling systems are fully developed and tested. Additionally, they will develop and test action matrices for the HGCAL SEP to ensure safe and efficient operation, and ensure proper documentation of the SEP and DCS is updated and stored for integration into the central CMS system.

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. Candidates should have proven ability to program PLCs and develop/maintain software to interface with PLCs, monitor and archive sensor-based data, and execute actions based on that data. Skills in evaluating environmental sensors for long-term reliable performance in harsh environments are required, with experience in high magnetic and radiation fields being an advantage. Familiarity with industrial control software for monitoring and control of complex systems is also necessary, along with basic knowledge of procurement processes for industrial and custom devices.

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

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in the design, implementation, testing, operation, and maintenance of large PLC-based SCADA systems. Proven experience with programming PLCs and developing software for monitoring and control is essential. Experience in evaluating environmental sensors and working within multinational and multicultural teams is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learn French being a requirement for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 4 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The job requires a commitment of 40 hours per week and is fully onsite. The role may involve work in radiation areas, interventions in underground installations, and may require working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is EP-CMS-EC-2026-119-LD. CERN offers a competitive salary that is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.