Safety and Controls Engineer for the CMS Experiment (EP-CMS-EC-2026-119-LD)

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CERN is hiring a Safety and Controls Engineer for the CMS experiment (EP-CMS-EC-2026-119-LD) to design, develop and commission PLC based SCADA systems for detector control and environmental safety with a focus on the HGCAL upgrade. You will coordinate a multinational team, finalise hardware and software for the SEP and DCS across surface and underground installations, and build robust control logic, interlocks and action matrices to ensure rapid issue identification and safe operation. Key requirements include a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, proven PLC/SCADA experience, sensor evaluation in harsh environments, familiarity with WinCC-OA, and strong collaboration in diverse teams. English required, willingness to learn French. Onsite Geneva, 40 hours per week, limited duration of 4 years with possible extension; apply by 01.07.2026. Tips: tailor your CV to highlight large scale PLC projects, documentation discipline, and measurable results, showcase safety culture and teamwork, and provide concrete examples of how you improved reliability and response times.

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. 

Job Description

Introduction

Join the CERN team working on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, one of the most advanced scientific instruments in operation. In this role, you will design, develop, test, procure, implement, operate and commission highly reliable PLC-based SCADA systems for detector control (DCS) and environmental safety and protection (SEP), supporting next-generation upgrades such as the High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) and Tracker detectors. You will ensure safe and stable operation in extreme conditions by implementing monitoring and feedback systems that manage temperature, humidity, and cooling processes, contributing to the long-term performance of critical particle detection infrastructure. This position is to develop and commission the full DCS/SEP for the HGCAL.

Functions

• Coordinate a team of experts from the HGCAL CMS detector system to ensure coherence and synergy with the rest of CMS. Ensure this coherence continues throughout the procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational phases of the overall SEP/DCS.
• Finalise the development, procurement and implementation of the necessary hardware for the HGCAL SEP, including PLCs, environmental sensors, and intermediate hardware (e.g. multiplexers for temperature sensors) at all levels on the surface at the CMS site: from single cassette tests (warm), multi-cassettes (up to 10 at a time, warm and cold), HGCAL sectors (up to 55 cassettes, warm and cold) and full endcaps (330 cassettes per endcap warm and cold).
• Develop the DCS software tree for control and monitoring of all HGCAL hardware, such that rapid identification of issues by non-experts (e.g. by the CMS Technical Shifter) and semi experts (HGCAL on-call personnel) is fast and efficient.
• Finalise the SEP and DCS for commissioning and operation of the full HGCAL underground, installed in CMS.
• Help ensure the HGCAL feedback control and monitoring for the thermal screen and cooling are fully developed, tested, and debugged (working with mechanical engineers, etc.).
• Develop and test the action matrices for the HGCAL SEP at all levels to ensure safe and efficient operation of the HGCAL.
• Ensure the proper documentation of the SEP and DCS is updated and stored, in order to integrate the HGCAL DCS and SEP into the central CMS system.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• A strong track record in the design, implementation, testing, operation, and maintenance of large PLC-based SCADA systems, including the development of feedback loops and interlock mechanisms.
• Proven ability to program PLCs and develop/maintain software to interface to PLCs and monitor/archive sensor-based data and execute actions according to the data, such as alarming and interlocking.
• Skills in evaluating environmental sensors (e.g. humidity, temperature, smoke) for long-term reliable performance in harsh environments. Experience evaluating such sensors in high magnetic and radiation fields will be an advantage.
• Proven experience with industrial control software (e.g. WinCC-OA) for the monitoring and control of large, complex systems.
• Basic knowledge of procurement of industrial and custom devices, including liaising with companies and following up on production.
• Proven ability to work successfully within multinational and multicultural teams of scientists and engineers would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Configuration and implementation of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.
• Design and implementation of safety interlock systems.
• Construction, test and commissioning of electrical circuits and networks.
• Testing and measurement of front-end electronics for analogue sensors and transducers.
• Installation, operation and maintenance of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.
• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 01.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (4 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• 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.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-CMS-EC-2026-119-LD

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern