Controls and Automation Engineer

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

• It is located at the border of France and Switzerland and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and has a diverse workforce of around 12,000 scientists and engineers from more than 100 countries. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The position of Controls and Automation Engineer within CERN's Engineering Department (EN) involves contributing to the development, commissioning, and maintenance of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and automation solutions that are crucial for the operation of CERN's accelerators, detectors, and infrastructure. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of technicians and engineers, engaging in the specification, design, commissioning, and maintenance of ICS dedicated to cooling and ventilation plants for accelerator facilities, experimental areas, and technical infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to work with CERN's modern UNICOS framework, which is essential for developing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications on Schneider and Siemens platforms, as well as configuring and maintaining Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for Cooling and Ventilation ICS. The position is set in a highly technical and collaborative environment, allowing for significant professional growth and the chance to work on large-scale industrial installations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Controls and Automation Engineer include gathering control system requirements and compiling all relevant technical documentation. The engineer will design automation solutions and control systems for industrial ventilation and cooling plants, develop and implement PLC applications for ICS, and define and execute tests of ICS on simulators. Additionally, the engineer will perform on-site commissioning of ICS and design, implement, and deploy improvements and corrective actions for operational control systems. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the systems in place.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have proven experience in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and a good knowledge of PLC development based on the IEC 61131 standard. Initial experience in Python programming or other high-level programming languages is required, along with the ability to read and work with electrical schematics. Familiarity with the configuration, programming, and operation of SCADA systems is also necessary, as well as an understanding of industrial automation principles and control systems. Experience with SCADA systems in an industrial environment, knowledge of automation theory, and industrial process control will be considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation and Controls or a related field. It is essential that candidates have graduated within the last two years and have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Those without a university degree or with a PhD are not eligible for this position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in the relevant field. This experience should be directly related to automation and controls, showcasing the candidate's ability to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus, enhancing communication within the diverse CERN community.

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 is fully onsite. The target start date for this position is January 1, 202

• The role involves working in radiation areas and performing interventions in underground installations, which requires a valid driving license. The job reference is EN-CV-CL-2026-205-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, a relocation package, and opportunities for on-the-job and formal training, including language classes.