Safety and Control Systems Engineer for the CMS Experiment

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.

Introduction

Are you a self-driven electrical engineer with experience in PLC-based SCADA systems for large installations? Join us at CMS, one of CERN's flagship LHC experiments, as it undergoes major upgrades that will keep it running until the early 2040s.

You'll help design and integrate reliable safety systems, custom sensors, and radiation-tolerant electronics into a complex underground detector environment. The role includes hardware procurement, testing, and close collaboration with international engineers, technicians, and physicists.

Functions:

As a member of the CMS Technical Coordination team within the Experimental Physics (EP) department, CMS Experimental Systems (CMX) group, Safety, Coordination and Infrastructure (SCI) section, you will be responsible for the design, testing, procurement, implementation, operation and maintenance of the extensive CMS sub-detectors protection system interfacing with the CMS Central Detector Safety System (DSS), particularly for the major systems that operate "cold" - below room temperature.

You will:

• Coordinate and lead a small team of experts from each CMS detector system to ensure coherence and synergies for all subdetector protection systems interfacing with Central DSS. Ensure that this coherence is maintained throughout the procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational phases of the overall DSS. Lead reviews of safety/protection system logic and action matrices.
• Complete the development, testing, and implementation of the necessary sensors for environmental control and monitoring of the various CMS detector systems, particularly those that operate "cold". This includes the finalisation of some custom control/readout electronics systems, and their integration with PLC systems.
• Develop the software required for the safe and reliable operation of the PLCs and integrate this software within the global CMS Safety System. This will include the implementation of alarming systems and automatic actions through state machines using Siemens automation software (esp. WinCC-OA).
• Coordinate the effort for constructing the CMS upgrade subdetector protection systems interfacing with the Central DSS system, organising procurement of parts across subsystems, allocating technical resources, and setting priorities.
• Support the subdetector teams during the commissioning phase of all safety systems
• Supervise CERN graduates, students and interns.

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

Experience:

You should have:

• A strong track record in the design, implementation, testing, operation and maintenance of large PLC-based SCADA systems, including the development of feedback loops and interlock mechanisms.
• A proven ability to program PLCs and to develop and maintain software that interfaces with PLCs, monitors and archives sensor-based data, and performs actions based on that data, such as alarming and interlocking.
• Skills in evaluating environmental sensors (e.g. humidity, temperature, smoke) for long-term reliable performance in harsh environments.
• Experience evaluating such sensors in high magnetic or radiation fields would be an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of procuring industrial and custom devices, liaising with companies, and following production.
• Knowledge of 3D CAD tools (e.g. CATIA) for modelling and optimising complex PLC-rack-cabling integration would be an advantage.
• A proven ability to work successfully within multinational and multicultural teams of scientists and engineers.

Technical competencies:

• Configuration and implementation of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems
• Design and implementation of safety interlock systems.
• Installation, operation and maintenance of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.
• Construction, test and commissioning of electrical circuits and networks.
• Testing and measurement of front-end electronics for analog sensors and transducers.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies.
• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions
• 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-CMX-SCI LD

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer