Controls and Automation Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution 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 fundamental particles. CERN's mission is to advance knowledge in the field of particle physics, and it operates in multiple countries, fostering a diverse workforce that is integral to its success. The organization emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and the importance of diversity in achieving its goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Controls and Automation Engineer within CERN's Engineering Department (EN) is pivotal in pushing the boundaries of technology to support world-class scientific research. The Cooling and Ventilation Group (EN-CV) is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of cooling and ventilation systems that are essential for CERN's accelerators and experimental facilities. The Controls Section (EN-CV-CL) focuses on the industrial control systems that manage these installations. As a Controls Engineer, you will engage in the entire lifecycle of these systems, from defining requirements to designing and implementing control solutions. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and collaborative skills, as you will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the control systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Controls Engineer, your responsibilities will include defining control system requirements and producing functional specifications for cooling and ventilation installations. You will select and apply appropriate control and automation strategies to meet operational, reliability, and energy efficiency objectives. Your role will also involve designing, developing, testing, and validating PLC application software, ensuring compliance with EN-CV-CL standards and the CERN UNICOS framework. You will configure, test, commission, maintain, and upgrade industrial control systems throughout their lifecycle. Collaboration with project leaders, process engineers, operators, and other stakeholders will be essential throughout all project phases. Additionally, you will coordinate technicians and junior engineers, supervise contractors during implementation, manage technical procurements, and provide expert operational support and troubleshooting for cooling and ventilation control systems. You will also evaluate emerging technologies and contribute to internal standards improvement, ensuring that all technical documentation is complete and up to date.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in Industrial Automation, Process Control, or a related field. Proficiency in designing, implementing, and commissioning PLC-based industrial control systems using IEC 61131-3 programming languages is essential. Candidates should have experience in specifying industrial control systems, including hardware architectures and control strategies, as well as testing, validation, and troubleshooting of these systems. Familiarity with SCADA/HMI configuration and deployment is also required. Additional qualifications that are considered advantageous include experience with Siemens and/or Schneider PLC platforms, knowledge of high-level programming languages (C++, Python, Java), and understanding advanced control techniques.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's Degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Industrial Automation or Process Control. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of control systems and their applications in industrial settings.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in the field of industrial control systems, particularly in designing, implementing, and commissioning PLC-based systems. Experience in specifying control systems, including hardware architectures and control strategies, is also necessary. Candidates should have a proven track record in testing, validation, and troubleshooting industrial control systems, as well as SCADA/HMI configuration and deployment.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates must demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

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 tenure. The role requires full-time onsite work, with a standard working week of 40 hours. Candidates should be prepared for participation in regular stand-by duties, including nights, Sundays, and official holidays, and may need to work in radiation areas and underground installations. A valid driving license is required, and candidates must obtain medical clearance due to occupational health risks associated with the position. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is EN-CV-CL-2026-199-LD.