Electrical Controls Engineer for Cooling Systems (EP-DT-FS-2025-61-LD)

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you interested in the challenges of commissioning, operating, and maintaining complex fluidic systems for particle physics detectors? Do you want to participate in the realization of the next generation CO2 cooling systems to cope with the most demanding requirements of the HL-LHC experiments? Take part!

You will join:

• The Experimental Physics (EP) Department, which carries out basic research in the field of experimental particle physics in a stimulating scientific atmosphere, stands as an important reference for the physics community. It also contributes to the education and training of young scientists.
• The Detector Technologies (DT) group, participates in the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of particle detectors and their technical infrastructure for the LHC experiments and several other experiments at CERN.
• The Fluidic Systems Section, in charge of the design, construction, commissioning and operation of fluidic systems for detectors in CERN experiments. In particular, the section must complete the installation and commissioning of the new CO2 cooling systems for the Phase 2 upgrades of the ATLAS and CMS experiments by the end of Long Shutdown 3 of the LHC.

Functions

As an Electrical Engineer in the Fluidic Systems Section, you will:

• Participate in the long phase of installation, testing and commissioning of the systems in the dedicated underground and surface facilities of the ATLAS and CMS experiments.
• Take part in the maintenance and operation of CO2 cooling systems, including stand-by duty service within the EP-DT-FS section.
• Perform functional analysis and contribute to the definition and optimization of control software.
• Support the optimization of the performance of CO2 cooling systems. 

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

The experience required for this post includes:

• Demonstrated experience in PLC-based system programming and I/O commissioning, including troubleshooting and fault finding.
• Proven experience in electrical schematic design and verification (experience in use of the EPLAN software would be an advantage).
• Good knowledge of the CO2 detector cooling process.
• Experience with CO2 refrigeration instrumentation and the specificities  of low-temperature operation.
• Proficiency in Schneider and Siemens PLC programming environments (pre-existing knowledge of the CERN UNICOS framework would be an advantage).

Technical Competencies:

• Installation, operation and maintenance of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.
• Functional analysis of control systems.
• Knowledge and application of advanced controls (non-linear, adaptative, predictive, etc.).
• Operation and maintenance of cooling systems, with emphasis on CO2-based systems.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Solving Problems: adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than ''gold -plated'' technical solutions.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: being able to deal with ambiguous or unpredictable situations.
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. 

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 4 May, 2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-DT-FS-2025-61-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer

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