Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you willing to become a key player in high power systems? Join CERN’s Electrical Power Converter Group (EPC) and leave your mark on the development/operation of the electrical systems for CERN’s particle accelerators. Take part!

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

The Electrical Power Converter Group (EPC) in the Systems Department (SY) is responsible for the electrical power systems for the entire CERN accelerator complex.

You will join the Medium Power Converter Section (SY-EPC-MPC), whose members develop and operate specific power systems. These systems are in the range of 10 kW up to several MW for magnets including those of the LHC injector chain and LHC superconducting magnets.

Functions

As a Field Electrical Technical Engineer, you will become a member of a team tasked with implementing an upgrade for the Control Electronics for existing thyristors converters and testing and installing new modern switch mode converters (POLARIS) within the SPS complex and North Area consolidation programs (total of 200 units rated from 10 kW to 20MW).

In particular you will:

• Assist the project manager in drafting functional specifications, maintaining constant communication between the team and stakeholders (SPS Machine Operations group and infrastructure groups);
• Adapt existing electrical power diagrams and associated bills of materials, proposing mechanical and cabling modifications for integrating the standard Control Electronics platform of EPC group into Thyristor converters;
• Organize and follow-up the manufacturing of specific mechanical and electrical components;
• Design electronic boards using discrete analogue / digital electronics for the low-level interface of power components to converter controls;
• Organize and follow-up validation tests on a platform: contribute to defining test procedures, record and analyse results and write test reports while enforcing platform safety regulations;
• Specify the requirements for the infrastructure (mechanical, cooling, electrical) of the POLARIS converters and coordinate the installation in surface operational buildings with the support of infrastructure groups;
• Take responsibility for converters commissioning within the final environment and report progress of these activities;
• Participate actively in the operational and maintenance aspects of the converters as well as in fault-finding and corrective interventions.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electrical engineering, power electronics or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience in the installation, test, commissioning, operation or maintenance of electrical power equipment;
• Experience in coordinating activities (definition of tasks, planning, follow-up, reporting);
• Initial experience in the design of electronic boards using discrete analogue / digital electronics;
• Use of CAD tools for the creation of electrical schematics and PCB boards;
• Use of CAD tools for the creation of mechanical schematics and 3-D drawings would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of power electronics techniques;
• Construction, test and installation of power electronic components and systems;
• Assembly of electronic crates, racks and cabinets
• Operation and maintenance of power electronic components and systems;
• Design, simulation, testing and measurements of electronic circuits.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities; cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; using time efficiently and effectively.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to draw up technical texts in one of the two languages, as well as ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 29.02.2024 by midday.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 4-5

Job reference: SY-EPC-MPC-2023-159-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Technical Engineer