Simulation and Controls Engineer (BE-ICS-ACS-2026-31-GRAE)

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CERN seeks a Simulation and Controls Engineer for the HL-LHC alignment system, building a kinematic simulator for virtual commissioning, a CI test suite, and real-time control software in the FESA framework with configuration tools. The ideal candidate has a background in control engineering, mathematics, robotics or computer science, linear algebra and optimization, Python and some C++, and automated testing or GitLab CI experience. This onsite 18 month role in Geneva offers a tax-free stipend (5266-5793 CHF), 30 days leave, relocation support, and potential extension. Eligibility: national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, max two years post-graduation, Bachelor's or Master's degree, no prior CERN fellowship or PhD. Tips: emphasize kinematics, real-time software, CI experience, and language readiness.

Job Description

Join an interdisciplinary team of engineers developing accelerator alignment systems for the High Luminosity LHC upgrade. You will work on the Full Remote Alignment System (FRAS), focusing on development of a kinematic simulator for virtual commissioning of the control and protection systems. You will also contribute to real-time software development for the control system.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop a kinematic simulation for magnets and beam elements involved in the Full Remote Alignment System.
• Develop and maintain a test suite based on this simulation, to be used for continuous integration and virtual commissioning of the control and protection layer software.
• Contribute to the development of real-time control software for FRAS based on the CERN FESA framework.
•  Contribute to the development of database-driven engineering tools for configuration of the HL-LHC FRAS system.

Your profile:

• Background in control engineering, mathematics, robotics or computer science, with strong skills in linear algebra and optimisation.
• Ability to assimilate information across a broad range of domains, spanning geodetic metrology, control and estimation theory, functional safety and software development.
• Excellent communication skills, for collaboration and dissemination of results to all project stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience of automated software testing would be an advantage.

Skills:

• Strong mathematical skills covering linear algebra (coordinate transformations, forward and inverse kinematics) and optimisation.
• Good knowledge of Python.
• Initial experience with C++.
• Experience of continuous integration based on Gitlab CI would be an advantage.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Software Engineering and IT (or a related field such as Control Engineering, Robotics, Engineering Cybernetics, Mathematics or Computer Science) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
• Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 23.02.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Contract duration: 18 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-May-2026

Job reference: BE-ICS-ACS-2026-31-GRAE

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 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 and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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