Automation and Controls Engineer

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 an Automation and Controls Engineer with exceptional problem-solving skills, and a desire to shape the direction of industrial control systems at CERN?  Many of the critical industrial control systems at CERN are developed in-house using the UNICOS-CPC framework.  This framework allows efficient and standardized PLC-based control system development and is used from applications ranging from the LHC cryogenics (the largest cryogenic system in the world) to novel cooling systems for particle detectors.  As an Automation and Controls Engineer, you will play a key role in the further development of this framework, as well as meeting future challenges in industrial controls. 

You will join: 

• The Beams Department (BE), responsible for the beam generation, acceleration, diagnostics, controls, and performance optimization for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and its injector accelerators. 
• The Industrial Control Systems Group (ICS), responsible for providing technology, frameworks, engineering, and CERN-wide support for systems and projects in all domains where standard industrial control solutions can be used. 
• The Automatic Control and Safety Section (ACS), responsible for providing expertise in advanced controls, process simulation and functional safety, and support for PLC and automation technologies. 

The primary responsibilities of this position include the development, maintenance and support of CERN's UNICOS-CPC framework, as well as providing CERN-wide support for Siemens automation equipment.  Furthermore, you will play a key role in evaluating emerging technologies and determining future directions for industrial controls at CERN. 

Functions

As an Automation and Controls Engineer in the Industrial Control Systems group, you will: 

• Take a leading role in the development of the UNICOS-CPC framework.
• Maintain and expand the CI/CD infrastructure used for framework development, and take responsibility for framework releases.
• Provide 3rd line support for both the framework and PLC technologies in general, with focus on Siemens automation platforms. You will be expected to find solutions to complex problems, communicating effectively with both users and suppliers as necessary.
• Assist in the management of the centralized support of Siemens automation equipment, including licensing, purchasing and technology evolution. 
• Keep up to date with developments and trends in industrial automation, through attendance at trade fairs and regular meetings with suppliers, and disseminate this to the CERN user community.
• Evaluate emerging industrial automation technologies and provide guidance and recommendations on their use.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Automation, Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or a related field.

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in: 

• PLC programming, particularly for Siemens platforms (S7-1500, S7-300, S7-400).
• Developing and maintaining CI/CD systems, including automatic testing, ideally in the domain of PLC-based control systems. 

Experience in:  

• Modern Industrial Communications protocols, with focus on high-performance communications for large-scale control systems (OPC UA, Profinet, etc.). 
• Solving complex problems in an industrial controls setting, including communication and real-time issues. 

The following experience will be considered an asset: 

• PLC code generation tools.  
• Initial experience with SCADA systems (particularly WinCC OA).  

Technical competencies:

• Configuration and implementation of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.
• Knowledge and application of automation and control theory.
• Knowledge of communication technologies and protocols.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: (PLC languages, Python, C#).
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: including integration, build and test (for example Gitlab CI/CD).

Behavioural competencies:

• Solving Problems: assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Managing Self: maintaining a positive outlook even in difficult situations; demonstrating resilience and persistence in response to setbacks and adversity.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies.
• Demonstrating Accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
• 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, 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.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-ICS-ACS LD

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer