Introduction

Are you familiar with electromagnetism, high voltage engineering and power electronics? You call oscilloscopes and numerical simulation tools your best friends and you are not afraid of switching kiloamperes and kilovolts in tens of nanoseconds? Are you searching for a challenge at a higher level? Could working on the world’s largest machine excite you? Obviously, it’s time to join the world of pulsed power at CERN!

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.

You will be working within the Accelerator Beam Transfer (ABT) Group, Pulsed Power Engineering (PPE) Section on challenging projects to support the operation and consolidation of fast-pulsed magnet systems from the Proton Synchrotron Booster (PSB) up to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). You will also contribute to R&D work for future pulsed power systems for both CERN’s existing accelerator complex and future accelerators like the ~100km circumference Future Circular Collider (FCC).

Functions

As an Electrical Engineer in the PPE Section, you will:

• Take responsibility for the study, design, development, testing, commissioning, exploitation and upgrading of fast pulsed systems for CERN’s present and future accelerators, applying the relevant safety principles;
• Carry out analogue circuit simulations as well as numerical field calculations to produce engineering specifications for system upgrades and future pulsed power systems;
• Take over the responsibility for coordination and follow up of projects and for performance follow-up of operational fast pulsed systems;
• Take the operational responsibility for the SPS injection kicker systems, validate the beam impedance reduction measures proposed for this system and coordinate installation;
• Contribute to the phase out of thyratrons and integration of semiconductor HV switches as well as to the design of complete kicker systems for future accelerators;
• Supervise students and fellows.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electrical engineering, pulsed power, power electronics or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience in:

• Analogue circuit simulations and design of power electronics and resonant circuits;
• Carrying out complex electrical and electronics measurements;
• Finite element computation for electromagnetic fields.

Desired experience:

• Applied knowledge in simulation of beam coupling impedance and experience in project management and work with industry or external laboratories would be an asset.
• First experience with Vector Network Analysers.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of computational methods and tools in electromagnetism: and analogue circuit design.
• Knowledge and analysis of high-voltage electrical breakdown.
• Knowledge and application of beam coupling impedance and wake field computations.
• Design and construction of pulse-forming networks and high-voltage switches.
• Operation and maintenance of high-voltage, under-vacuum accelerator devices.

Behavioural competencies:

• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
• 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; driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Demonstrating accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises; presenting information accurately and objectively; taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
• Communicating effectively: delivering presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusting style and content to the audience; responding calmly and confidently to questions; expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Working in teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

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 12 o'clock midday CET on 02.05.2022.

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: 6-7

Job reference: SY-ABT-PPE-2022-38-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer