Electrical Design Technician

What you'll do

The Electrical Engineering Group (EN-EL) at CERN is responsible for the electrical power-distribution network (from 400 kV to 400/230V), for the fibre-optics infrastructure, and for signal and DC-power cabling for the accelerator complex.

You will join the electrical Design and Documentation Office (EN-EL-DDO). You will take on a support electrical designer role. This will include the creation and modification of electrical drawings, design of low voltage distribution networks, cable sizing, equipment sizing, LV protection studies and the general support to senior electrical designers. With time you will be required to take on design tasks of increasing complexity. In addition, you will oversee various quality-related activities within the Design Office, such as the management of the printing office and the maintenance and updating of templates.

This is the perfect opportunity for a junior technician to further establish their existing knowledge of low voltage distribution circuits by putting it into practice.

Learn more

Your responsibilities

Preparing design drawings using CAD software.
Preparing calculation notes using ElecCalc/Caneco BT or similar.
Preparing bills of material and cabling tables for electrical-related equipment in Excel.
Updating excel based design templates.
General quality related tasks in the design office.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Demonstrated experience in the design of Low voltage distribution networks, cable sizing and selectivity studies.
Demonstrated experience in producing drawings in AutoCAD or similar.
Intermediate level of Microsoft EXCEL.
Your studies focused on Electrical Engineering.

Your skills

An understanding of low voltage distribution networks (selectivity, completing calculation notes, knowledge of European LV standards, protection, protection of circuits for indirect contact, knowledge of different types of earthing systems).
An understanding of power systems; voltage drop calculations, short circuit calculations, understanding fault levels, dimensioning of cables.
Experience on low voltage design calculation tools (ElecCalc, Caneco or similar software).
Proficient in AutoCAD or similar.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
Experience on the design of lighting systems for buildings and external areas using DIALux.
Experience with E-PLAN or similar software.
Experience in the design of medium voltage distribution networks.
Motivated candidates without direct design office experience would still be considered.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/01/2027

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month.
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 and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
By the application deadline, you have a maximum of 2 years of professional experience since graduation in a technical or administrative field and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma or a shorter non-university degree. You can’t hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
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)
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The EN department provides CERN with the engineering competences, infrastructure systems, and technical coordination required for the design, fabrication, installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of the accelerator complex and experimental facilities. Its mission is to deliver and sustain robust infrastructure systems, advanced engineering solutions, and technical coordination.

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.