Controls and Automation Engineer

What you'll do

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes the boundaries of technology to enable physicists to carry out world-class scientific research. Within the EN Department, the Cooling and Ventilation Group (EN-CV) is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the cooling and ventilation installations that support CERN’s accelerators, experimental facilities, and technical infrastructure.

Within EN-CV, the Controls Section (EN-CV-CL) is responsible for the specification, development, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the industrial control systems used across all EN-CV installations.

The EN-CV control systems are based on industrial technologies, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, the UNICOS framework developed at CERN, automated code generation tools, and virtual commissioning methodologies. More than 650 PLCs are currently deployed and operated across EN-CV facilities, requiring a very high level of reliability, availability, and maintainability.

As a Controls Engineer, you will be involved in the full lifecycle of industrial control systems, from defining requirements and technical specifications to designing and implementing control solutions.

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Your responsibilities

Define control system requirements and produce functional specifications for cooling and ventilation installations.
Select and apply appropriate control and automation strategies to meet operational, reliability, and energy efficiency objectives.
Design, develop, test, and validate PLC application software for cooling and ventilation installations, ensuring compliance with applicable EN-CV-CL standard solutions and CERN UNICOS framework.
Configure, test, commission, maintain, and upgrade industrial control systems throughout their lifecycle.
Collaborate with project leaders, process engineers, operators, and other stakeholders throughout all project phases.
Coordinate technicians and junior engineers and supervise contractors during implementation and commissioning activities.
Manage technical procurements, service contracts, and interactions with industrial suppliers.
Provide expert operational support and troubleshooting for cooling and ventilation control systems.
Evaluate emerging technologies and engineering methodologies, and contribute to technical studies internal EN-CV-CL standards improvement.
Produce and ensure that technical documentation is complete, structured and up to date, in line with quality standards.

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Your profile

Proficiency in designing, implementing, and commissioning PLC-based industrial control systems using IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
Experience in specifying industrial control systems, including hardware architectures and control strategies.
Experience in testing, validation, and troubleshooting of industrial control systems.
Experience in SCADA/HMI configuration and deployment.
Experience operating and maintaining industrial control systems.
Experience providing support to control system users.
Experience with Siemens and/or Schneider PLC platforms.
Knowledge in high-level programming languages (C++, Python, Java) and AI technologies.
Knowledge of advanced control techniques (adaptive, predictive, model-based control).
Knowledge of the CERN UNICOS framework.
Knowledge in cooling or ventilation domains.
Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Industrial Automation, Process Control or a related field.

Your skills

Functional analysis of control systems.
Knowledge and application of advanced controls (non-linear, adaptative, predictive, etc.).
Configuration, and implementation and operation and maintenance of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.
PLC programming using Siemens and Schneider platforms (IEC 61131-3).
SCADA/HMI systems configuration and integration.
Defines clear objectives, milestones and deliverables before initiating work/ project.
Successfully changes other people's opinions by persuasive arguments.
Adapts quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
Understands when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; includes others accordingly and shares information.
Adopts a pragmatic approach; understands the value of adopting generic rather than gold -plated' technical solutions.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2027

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Medical hazard

Exposure to asbestos.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.
Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

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, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, 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 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.