Junior Automation Controls Engineer

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

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization operates in multiple countries, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among a diverse range of professionals, including physicists, engineers, and administrative staff. CERN's mission is to push the frontiers of science and technology, contributing to our understanding of the universe through cutting-edge research.

Job Overview:
The Junior Automation Controls Engineer will join the Automatic Control & Safety (ACS) section of the CERN Industrial Controls group (BE-ICS). This role involves contributing to the control systems for the Primary Gas Systems (PGS) that supply detectors and installations across CERN's Experimental Areas. A significant aspect of the job is the migration of the LHC Primary Gas Systems to a dedicated infrastructure for Experimental Areas, which includes development, maintenance, and first-line support. The engineer will work across the full control stack, from PLC logic and field instrumentation to WinCC OA supervision, utilizing CERN's model-driven Gas Control System (GCS) and UNICOS-CPC frameworks. The position requires a strong interest in industrial control systems and hands-on work with hardware, instrumentation, and field installations, as well as the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Junior Automation Controls Engineer include contributing to the migration of the LHC Primary Gas Systems, which involves PLC and SCADA (WinCC OA) development and commissioning. The engineer will develop and configure gas-system control applications on Schneider M580 and Siemens S7-1500 PLCs. Additionally, the role entails contributing to the specification, I/O definition, and instrumentation of primary and detector gas systems, as well as developing HMI, touch-panel, and notification systems (email/SMS). The engineer will also support factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), installation, and commissioning in the experimental areas, along with documentation and first-line operational support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. By the application deadline, applicants should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Automation, Control Engineering, or a related field. The highest educational qualification required is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Applicants who have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract are not eligible, and those without a university degree or with a PhD are also not eligible for this position.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation, Control Engineering, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the duties associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. This experience should be relevant to the field of Automation and Control Engineering, providing a foundation for the responsibilities of the position. Candidates with hands-on experience in industrial control systems, PLC programming, and SCADA systems will be particularly well-suited for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as clear documentation and presentation of technical work are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for the role.

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 job offers flexibility with a hybrid working model. The target start date for the position is November 1, 202

• The role involves work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, and candidates must possess a valid driving license. The job reference is BE-ICS-ACS-2026-206-GRAE. Compensation includes a monthly net stipend ranging from 5266 to 5793 Swiss Francs, depending on the candidate's degree, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package.