Safety and Control Systems Engineer for the CMS Experiment

What you'll do

Are you a self-driven electrical engineer with experience in PLC-based SCADA systems for large installations? Join us at CMS, one of CERN’s flagship LHC experiments, as it undergoes major upgrades that will keep it running until the early 2040s. You’ll help design and integrate reliable safety systems, custom sensors, and radiation-tolerant electronics into a complex underground detector environment. The role includes hardware procurement, testing, and close collaboration with international engineers, technicians, and physicists.

Your responsibilities

Coordinate and lead a small team of experts from each CMS detector system to ensure coherence and synergies for all subdetector protection systems interfacing with Central DSS. Ensure that this coherence is maintained throughout the procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational phases of the overall DSS. Lead reviews of safety/protection system logic and action matrices.
Complete the development, testing, and implementation of the necessary sensors for environmental control and monitoring of the various CMS detector systems, particularly those that operate “cold”. This includes the finalization of some custom control/readout electronics systems, and their integration with PLC systems.
Develop the software required for the safe and reliable operation of the PLCs and integrate this software within the global CMS Safety System. This will include the implementation of alarming systems and automatic actions through state machines using Siemens automation software (esp. WinCC-OA).
Coordinate the effort for constructing the CMS upgrade subdetector protection systems interfacing with the Central DSS system, organizing procurement of parts across subsystems, allocating technical resources, and setting priorities.
Support the subdetector teams during the commissioning phase of all safety systems
Supervise CERN graduates, students and interns.

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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
A proven ability to program PLCs and to develop and maintain software that interfaces with PLCs, monitors and archives sensor-based data, and performs actions based on that 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 or radiation fields would be an advantage.
Basic knowledge of procuring industrial and custom devices, liaising with companies, and following production.
Knowledge of 3D CAD tools (e.g. CATIA) for modelling and optimizing complex PLC-rack-cabling integration would be an advantage.
A proven ability to work successfully within multinational and multicultural teams of scientists and engineers.
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:
Installation, operation and maintenance of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems:
Construction, test and commissioning of electrical circuits and networks:
Testing and measurement of front-end electronics for analog sensors and transducers:
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Works well in groups and readily fits into a team; participates fully and takes an active role in team activities.
Actively participates in the implementation of new processes and technologies.
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: 01/04/2026

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

Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
A valid driving licence.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

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 EP department conducts research in experimental particle physics and serves as a key reference center for the European physics community, contributing to the education and training of young scientists.

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.