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.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

This is your Quest. Deepen your knowledge and expertise faster than anywhere else on earth. Take Part!

Are you a motivated software engineer with knowledge of power electronics? Do you want to participate in a green-field project that will create the future platform for the control of CERN’s power converter? Come and join us in the Converter Controls Software Section of the Electrical Power Converters Group

SY-EPC is currently developing the fourth generation of the Function Generator/Controller (FGC4). FGC devices are used to control, monitor and diagnose over 4,000 power converters across all accelerators, experiments and experimental areas at CERN. The FGC4 is a new product that requires the design and development of new hardware and software.

You will join this exciting effort with a focus on the implementation of a framework that allows the power converter experts to define the regulation algorithms and state machines specific to their converters.

Your main tasks will include:

• Write a specification of the framework in collaboration with the power converter experts;
•  Design, develop, test and commission a framework to control power converters;
• Use the existing continuous integration framework to guarantee the highest quality assurance possible;
• Specify and document a workflow for the experts to use the framework;
• Maintain a continuous dialogue with the stakeholders to inform on the progress and gather further requirements;
• Join the converters controls standby service (around one week every two months).

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State;
• You have a Master’s degree and between 2 and 6 years’ experience or PhD with up to 3 years of relevant experience in computing engineering or power engineering with expertise in software development or other related field;
• You should have a working knowledge of English or French.

Skills and/or knowledge:

• Good knowledge of the C++ language. Familiarity with modern C++ syntax;
• Basic knowledge of the Python language;
• Familiar with the Linux environment;
• At ease working under Linux;
• Modern software development processes: Git, CI/CD;
• Knowledge of power electronics and electrical power conversion would be very advantageous;
• Good communicator.

What we offer: 

• An employment contract of in principle 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months;
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French;
• A monthly stipend ranging between 6050 and 6650 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax);
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund;
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract;
• 30 days of paid leave per year.

 How to Apply:

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• A CV;
• A scanned PDF of your most recent relevant qualification;
• We recommend to add two recent letters of recommendation, giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements. You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially.

The earliest expected start date for selected candidates is May 2023.

Ready to take part? Then please submit your application by 23 January 2023 at  midnight (12.00 AM CEST).