Controls and Automation Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centres for scientific research. With a mission to push the frontiers of science and technology, CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe. The organization operates in multiple countries, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among physicists, engineers, and administrative professionals. Diversity is a core value at CERN, and it remains central to its mission and continued success, ensuring that every contribution is valued and that a shared sense of inclusion and purpose drives its work.

Job Overview:
The position of Controls and Automation Engineer within the Cooling & Ventilation (CV) Group at CERN involves a critical role in the design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of cooling systems, pumping stations, air conditioning plants, and fluid distribution networks that serve CERN's accelerator complex and experimental areas. The engineer will be tasked with identifying, evaluating, and implementing solutions aimed at improving the energy efficiency and performance of existing and future cooling and ventilation plants. This includes analyzing plant operations, developing physical models of HVAC and hydraulic systems using simulation tools, and assessing alternative control strategies. The engineer will also be responsible for designing and validating process and control improvements, managing their deployment, testing, and commissioning on operational plants to ensure that expected performance and energy savings are achieved.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Controls and Automation Engineer will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and validating dynamic simulation models of HVAC, cooling, ventilation, and hydraulic systems to assess plant performance and evaluate energy optimization opportunities; designing, testing, and implementing control system improvements, including advanced control strategies to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and operational stability; applying data analytics, machine learning, and neural network techniques to support performance monitoring, fault detection, predictive analysis, and process optimization; managing the deployment, testing, commissioning, and performance verification of selected process, control, and AI-based solutions on operational production plants; producing technical studies, engineering recommendations, and performance assessments; and collaborating with operations and maintenance teams to ensure successful implementation of improvements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience in modeling and simulation of physical systems (HVAC, hydraulic, thermal, or industrial processes) using tools such as EcosimPro, Matlab/Simulink, or similar platforms. Additionally, experience in the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of industrial control systems is required, with knowledge of advanced control techniques considered an asset. Proficiency in data analysis and software development using Python is essential, and familiarity with data analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence libraries is advantageous. Candidates should also have skills in system modeling and simulation, PLC programming and automation, and Python programming for process optimization and performance monitoring.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation and Controls or a related field. It is important to note that applicants without a university degree are not eligible for this position, and those with a PhD are also not eligible. By the application deadline, candidates should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a maximum of two years of professional experience in the relevant field since graduation. This experience should ideally be in Automation and Controls or a closely related area, ensuring that the candidate is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for integration into the workplace and community.

Additional Notes:
The job closing date is set for 18.10.2026 at 23:59 CEST. The contract duration is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months maximum. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the position is fully onsite. The target start date for this role is 01-February-202

• The position involves work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, and a valid driving license is required. The job reference is EN-CV-CL-2026-230-GRAE. The compensation includes a monthly net stipend ranging from 5266 to 5793 Swiss Francs, depending on the 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.