Technician for Industrial Control Systems

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Position Title: Technician for Industrial Control Systems
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 09.04.2025

Job Details

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 centers for scientific research. With over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe, CERN operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structure of the universe. The organization is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, which has been a core value since its inception. CERN's mission is to probe the fundamental constituents of matter and to study the basic forces that govern the universe, using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments.

Job Overview:
The position of Technician for Industrial Control Systems within the Beams department (BE) at CERN involves developing, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial control systems for complex technical instruments. The role is crucial for supporting large and medium-scale industrial control systems, particularly in the context of the LHC accelerator cryogenics system. The successful candidate will work on a project that includes the control systems for two new cryogenic systems, which consist of industrial equipment such as cold boxes, compressors, and transfer lines. The technician will be expected to apply a versatile set of automation skills and contribute to the engineering and commissioning of PLC-based control systems, ensuring that they meet the required specifications and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technician will be responsible for supporting the engineering and commissioning of turn-key PLC-based control systems. Key duties include participating in the development and commissioning of new HL-LHC project cryogenics plants control systems, gathering requirements for control systems, and compiling relevant documentation such as specifications and material purchasing lists. The technician will configure and program PLCs and fieldbus systems, following up on installations according to the IEC-61131-3 standard and using Schneider Unity Pro (EcoStruxure Control Expert). Additionally, the technician will manage tests on platforms (FAT) and in situ (SAT) during the commissioning phase, introduce assets into the CERN asset management system, and establish test benches in the lab to validate technical choices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have experience configuring and programming PLCs and fieldbus systems, with a strong understanding of the IEC-61131-3 standard and Schneider Unity Pro (EcoStruxure Control Expert). Fluency in either English or French is required. Eligibility criteria include being a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, having a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in a Technician or related field, and holding a general secondary education diploma. Applicants with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree are not eligible for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position is a general secondary education diploma. Candidates must have graduated within the last two years and should not have held a CERN fellow or graduate contract previously.

Experience:
The position requires a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in a Technician or related field. This experience should include practical skills in configuring and programming PLCs and fieldbus systems, as well as managing installations and control assets.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in both languages would be considered an advantage, but not a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The target start date is June 1, 202

• The job closing date for applications is April 9, 2025, at 23:59h (midnight) CET. The position offers a monthly stipend of 4624 Swiss Francs (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, and membership in the CERN Pension Fund. Additional benefits may include an installation grant, family allowances, and travel expense payments at the beginning and end of the contract. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and will have access to on-the-job and formal training at CERN, as well as in-house language courses.