Electrical Engineer / Applied Physicist (TE-MSC-TM-2021-76-LD) Geneva, Switzerland

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.

Introduction

Join a great team pushing the limits of accelerator-magnet test and measurement, to shape the future of CERN’s large accelerators. Take part!

You will join:

The Test and Magnetic Measurements Section (TM) of the Magnet, Superconductors and Cryostat Group (MSC), as part of the Technology Department (TE), in charge of the qualification of magnetic materials, testing of accelerator components, and magnetic measurements of normal and superconducting magnets. The TE-MSC group has the mandate to design, construct, and test superconducting as well as normal conducting magnets, and to integrate them in the CERN accelerator complex.

The mandate of the TM section includes the characterization of the magnetic field strength and homogeneity of new and existing accelerator magnets, along with electrical and power test of superconducting devices. This work is carried out by an interdisciplinary team of engineers/physicists, technicians, and students working in collaboration with magnet designers and beam physicists. To make these tests and measurements possible, and to achieve the accuracy required to control particle beams, we develop and maintain highly specialised, world-class test facilities, electronic instrumentation and magnetic sensors. To support magnetic measurements and analysis we develop software for data-acquisition and controls as well as magnet-design software based on finite/boundary elements. Latest developments have included generalized field descriptions, combining magnetic measurements with numerical field simulations. We are also responsible for the development and maintenance of real-time measurement systems that provide crucial feedback to various accelerator control systems.

Functions

As an electrical/electronic engineer or applied physicist in the TM section, you will take an active part in the work related to the test and magnetic measurements of normal and superconducting magnets, including:

• Design, manufacture, and metrological characterization of hardware and software components of test systems for super- and normal-conducting magnets.
• Execution of test and measurement campaigns in our section’s laboratories and throughout the CERN accelerator complex. Post-processing analysis of test results and compilation of test reports. Software integration of quality assurance structures.
• Development of embedded and distributed software and firmware for electronic components, and database interfaces.
• Development and maintenance of the dedicated software framework developed for data acquisition and controls.
• Development and maintenance of the ROXIE software for magnetic design. Innovative use of infrastructure for software development such as GitLab, and scripting languages to link ROXIE with commercial software for multi-physics simulations.

After an initial period including on-the-job training, you will be expected to:

• Contribute to upcoming test campaigns for various CERN and collaboration projects.
• Interface effectively with magnet designers, beam operation teams, mechanical and electric support personnel and other magnet test specialists.
• Take charge of the development and maintenance of critical software and firmware of real-time and off-line test and magnetic measurement systems.
• Take charge of the development and maintenance of multi-physics simulation and analysis software for accelerator magnets.
• Supervise technical/doctoral students for software development.

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electrical/electronic engineering or applied physics or a related field.

Experience:

Proven experience in one of the following topics would be an asset.

• Experience in software development for design and testing of mechatronic systems.
• Experience in database management systems, data-reduction and treatment, metrology and instrumentation.
• Simulation and analysis in the field of applied superconductivity or other multi-physics applications.
• Measurement or simulation of dynamic effects in superconducting devices.
• Design of normal and superconducting magnets.

Technical competencies:

• Analysis and measurement of dynamic effects in electromagnetic equipment.
• Design of databases/repositories.
• Knowledge and application of computational and mathematical physics.
• Knowledge and application of computational methods and tools in electromagnetism.
• Measurement and analysis of magnets.
• Data acquisition and processing techniques.
• Familiarity with the C/C++, VHDL, Python programming languages, knowledge of MATLAB, TCL/TK, and Fortran would be an asset.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations defining clear objectives, milestones and deliverables before initiating work/ project.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented selecting the appropriate medium and forum to communicate.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals. Seeking to help other team members when own work is done; supporting others.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, ability to understand and speak French in professional situations.

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 05.09.2021 at 12:00PM CET.

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:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• A valid driving licence is required.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: TE-MSC-TM-2021-76-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer