Introduction

Are you willing to become a key player in 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

The Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) is the second-largest machine in CERN’s accelerator complex. Measuring nearly 7 kilometres in circumference, it takes particles from the Proton Synchrotron and accelerates them to provide beams for the Large Hadron Collider and for the North experimental area.

A consolidation of the North Experimental Area has been approved in 2021 (NA-CONS project) that will see a major facelift in the upcoming years covering the renovation of infrastructures and services to improve the reliability and bring the facility into compliance with modern safety requirements.

As a Power Electronics Engineer, you will be a member of the team responsible for the design, development, production, installation, commissioning of large power converters for NA-CONS project, as well as for their operation and maintenance.  In particular, you will become responsible for the BOREAL high precision converter family whose main brick is rated [400V / 1500 A / 600 kWpeak] and deploy the strategy approved by EPC Group.

You will:

• Take part in the definition of the powering strategies for the NA-CONS project;
• Validate and optimise the system design and technical choices of the BOREAL family, emphasizing on energy recovery and energy savings;
• Draw up technical specifications for electrical power components (IGBT power stacks, magnetics, …) and ensure the follow-up of manufacturing and testing activities in the framework of industrial supply contracts;
• Contribute to the manufacturing folder (built-to-print approach) of converters with particular focus on integration and interfaces;
• Specify the requirements for the infrastructure (mechanical and electrical) for the integration of the converters in existing buildings;
• Be in charge of the installation and commissioning of power converters.

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

Experience:

Required experience in the following:

• Design and modelling (PSIM or equivalent) of power electronics in the power level above 50 kW;
• Application of various type of semiconductor switches (IGBTs, Thyristors, Diode, plastic case, press-pack);
• Implementation and testing of different control techniques (PID, RST type controller);

Desired experience in the following:

• Initial experience in the management of projects, from the technical specification to the commissioning and final documentation;
• Installation and commissioning of electrical power equipment.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of power electronics techniques;
• Design and modelling of power electronic components and systems: power electronics topologies, IGBT, Diode, Thyristor modules or Presspacks, system analysis (PSIM or equivalent), integration;
• Construction, test and installation of power electronic components and systems.

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 understand and speak at least one of the two languages 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, and an undertaking to acquire the other language rapidly.

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 22.05.2023.

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.
• 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.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-EPC-MPC-2022-196-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer