Safety and Controls Engineer for the CMS Experiment

What you’ll do

Your responsibilities

• Coordinate a team of experts from the HGCAL CMS detector system to ensure coherence and synergy with the rest of CMS. Ensure this coherence continues throughout the procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational phases of the overall SEP/DCS.
• Finalise the development, procurement and implementation of the necessary hardware for the HGCAL SEP, including PLCs, environmental sensors, and intermediate hardware (e.g. multiplexers for temperature sensors) at all levels on the surface at the CMS site: from single cassette tests (warm), multi-cassettes (up to 10 at a time, warm and cold), HGCAL sectors (up to 55 cassettes, warm and cold) and full endcaps (330 cassettes per endcap warm and cold).
• Develop the DCS software tree for control and monitoring of all HGCAL hardware, such that rapid identification of issues by non-experts (e.g. by the CMS Technical Shifter) and semi experts (HGCAL on-call personnel) is fast and efficient.
• Finalize the SEP and DCS for commissioning and operation of the full HGCAL underground, installed in CMS.

Still here? Let’s make a quick check about

Your profile

• 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.
• Proven ability to program PLCs and develop/maintain software to interface to PLCs and monitor/archive sensor-based data and execute actions according to the 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 and radiation fields will be an advantage.
• Proven experience with industrial control software (e.g. WinCC-OA) for the monitoring and control of large, complex systems.

Your skills

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

Employment conditions

• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.

Global Benefits at CERN

• A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
  
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
  
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
  
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
  
• A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
  
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.
  

Let’s get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State . Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
• You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
• If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
• Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

• Your CV (English or French)
• Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERN Department

of CERN

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All good?

Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

• What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

  
  
  Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
  
  

• How big would the team be?

  
  The size of the team you’ll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
  

• What is the working language at CERN?

  
  The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
  

• What support does CERN provide for relocation?

  
  CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the "Salary, Benefits and Support" page.
  

• Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

  
  Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
  

• What would my salary be?

  
  Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.