Power System Protection Engineer

What you'll do

As a Power System Protection Engineer, you will be responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of protection relays within CERN’s electrical transmission and distribution network, from design and procurement to commissioning and maintenance.

You will join the Maintenance and Operation (MO) section of the Electrical Engineering (EL) group in the Engineering (EN) department, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of CERN’s electrical network, the commissioning of new installations, and the execution of small-scale electrical works.

Apply your expertise to support the operation, maintenance, consolidation, and development of CERN’s electrical transmission and distribution systems, the backbone of one of the world’s largest and most powerful particle colliders. Join the CERN electrical engineering team. Take part!

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Your responsibilities

Update and maintain the whole protection plan for the CERN transmission and distribution network.
Lead the tendering process for the implementation of the protection plan, in particular the purchase of protection relays, drawing up technical specifications and all tendering documents; manage the related contract(s).
Prepare technical notes and engineering specifications, and report on the advancement of activities or projects.
Program and test protection relay configurations (logics).
Assist the design office in preparing installation plans and calculating protection settings through fault simulations in the network model.
Lead the commissioning of protection relays on site (functional testing, current injections, troubleshooting) by preparing dedicated procedures and supervising commissioning operator(s).
Elaborate a comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance plan, including spare parts management, and lead its implementation.
Define the methodology to integrate the protection relays and the associated maintenance activities in the CERN Computerized Maintenance Management System.
Manage and deliver specific refurbishment projects for the replacement of obsolete protection relays.
Be part of the standby team, in charge of corrective interventions when faults occur.

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Your profile

Very good knowledge of modern equipment associated with complex high voltage electrical networks (400 kV, 66 kV, 18 kV).
Proven experience in the field of protection relays, in particular commissioning and maintenance.
Proven experience in fault simulations and settings calculations.
Proven experience in post-mortem fault analysis.
Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Extensive knowledge of power systems, such as sequence components, symmetrical and asymmetrical faults, and power flow analysis.
Proven experience in the operation and maintenance of a high-voltage electrical system, including troubleshooting and repairs.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Your skills

Construction, test and commissioning of electrical circuits and networks;
Design and modelling of high-voltage electrical circuits and networks;
Operation and maintenance of electrical circuits and networks;
Drives work / projects along and sees them through to their conclusion;
Takes responsibility for own actions and decisions;
Demonstrates a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supports initiatives for change;
Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships;
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2026

Contract duration: 60 month contract

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200030 - Electrical Engineer

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

Medical hazard

Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

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.
Stand-by duty, and work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
Interventions in underground installations.
Work in Radiation Areas.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 9113 Swiss Francs per month (tax free), 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.
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 essential engineering expertise and infrastructure systems for the design, operation, and maintenance of CERN's accelerator complex and experimental facilities.

It covers everything from mechanical engineering to infrastructure management, ensuring the smooth running of technical systems.

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.