Controls and Automation Engineer

What you'll do

The Cooling & Ventilation (CV) Group is responsible for the design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the cooling systems, pumping stations, air conditioning plants, and fluid distribution networks serving CERN’s accelerator complex, experimental areas, selected LHC detector cooling systems, and strategic technical infrastructures such as the Computer Centre. This project aims to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions to improve the energy efficiency and performance of existing and future CV plants. The Project Engineer will analyse plant operation, develop physical models of HVAC and hydraulic systems using simulation tools, and assess alternative control strategies. Based on these studies, the engineer will design and validate process and control improvements, and manage their deployment, testing, and commissioning on operational plants to ensure the expected performance and energy savings are achieved.

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Your responsibilities

Develop and validate dynamic simulation models of HVAC, cooling, ventilation, and hydraulic systems to assess plant performance and evaluate energy optimisation opportunities.
Design, test, and implement control system improvements, including advanced control strategies, to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and operational stability.
Apply data analytics, Machine Learning, and neural network techniques to support performance monitoring, fault detection, predictive analysis, and process optimisation.
Manage the deployment, testing, commissioning, and performance verification of selected process, control, and AI-based solutions on operational production plants.
Produce technical studies, engineering recommendations, and performance assessments, and collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure successful implementation of improvements.

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Your profile

Experience in modelling and simulation of physical systems (HVAC, hydraulic, thermal, or industrial processes) using tools such as EcosimPro, Matlab/Simulink, or similar platforms.
Experience in the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of industrial control systems, with knowledge of advanced control techniques considered an asset.
Experience in data analysis and software development using Python; familiarity with data analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence libraries is an advantage.
Your studies focused on Automation and Controls.

Your skills

System Modelling & Simulation: HVAC, hydraulic, and industrial process modelling using EcosimPro, Matlab/Simulink, or equivalent tools.
PLC Programming & Automation: Siemens Step7, TIA Portal, and/or Schneider EcoStruxure Control Expert.
Python programming, data analysis, Machine Learning, and AI techniques for process optimisation and performance monitoring.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/02/2027

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 either 5266 or 5793 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree.
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 the respective field and your highest educational qualification is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You must have a university degree and can’t hold a 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.