Safety and Controls Engineer for the CMS Experiment

What you'll do

Join the CERN team working on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, one of the most advanced scientific instruments in operation. In this role, you will design, develop, test, procure, implement, operate and commission highly reliable PLC-based SCADA systems for detector control (DCS) and environmental safety and protection (SEP), supporting next-generation upgrades such as the High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) and Tracker detectors. You will ensure safe and stable operation in extreme conditions by implementing monitoring and feedback systems that manage temperature, humidity, and cooling processes, contributing to the long-term performance of critical particle detection infrastructure. This position is to develop and commission the full DCS/SEP for the HGCAL

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.
Help ensure the HGCAL feedback control and monitoring for the thermal screen and cooling are fully developed, tested, and debugged (working with mechanical engineers, etc.).
Develop and test the action matrices for the HGCAL SEP at all levels to ensure safe and efficient operation of the HGCAL.
Ensure the proper documentation of the SEP and DCS is updated and stored, in order to integrate the HGCAL DCS and SEP into the central CMS system.

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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.
Basic knowledge of procurement of industrial and custom devices, including liaising with companies and following up on production.
Proven ability to work successfully within multinational and multicultural teams of scientists and engineers would be an advantage.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electrical Engineering or a related field.

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.
Installation, operation and maintenance of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.
Drives work / projects along and sees them through to their conclusion.
Works well in groups and readily fits into a team; participates fully and takes an active role in team activities.
Is willing to work on different projects simultaneously.
Takes initiative beyond regular tasks and makes things happen.
Expresses opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeps to the point.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration (in months): 48

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200030 - Electrical Engineer

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

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 CERNDepartment

The EP department conducts research in experimental particle physics in close collaboration with and supporting the wider scientific community working at CERN. This includes designing and operating experiments, developing and constructing detectors, acquiring and analysing physics data.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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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.