Controls and Automation Engineer (EN-CV-CL-2026-199-LD)

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.

Introduction

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes the boundaries of technology to enable physicists to carry out world-class scientific research. Within the EN Department, the Cooling and Ventilation Group ( EN-CV ) is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the cooling and ventilation installations that support CERN's accelerators, experimental facilities, and technical infrastructure.

Within EN-CV, the Controls Section (EN-CV-CL) is responsible for the specification, development, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the industrial control systems used across all EN-CV installations.

The EN-CV control systems are based on industrial technologies, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, the UNICOS framework developed at CERN, automated code generation tools, and virtual commissioning methodologies. More than 650 PLCs are currently deployed and operated across EN-CV facilities, requiring a very high level of reliability, availability, and maintainability.

As a Controls Engineer, you will be involved in the full lifecycle of industrial control systems, from defining requirements and technical specifications to designing and implementing control solutions.

Functions

- Define control system requirements and produce functional specifications for cooling and ventilation installations.
- Select and apply appropriate control and automation strategies to meet operational, reliability, and energy efficiency objectives.
- Design, develop, test, and validate PLC application software for cooling and ventilation installations, ensuring compliance with applicable EN-CV-CL standard solutions and CERN UNICOS framework.
- Configure, test, commission, maintain, and upgrade industrial control systems throughout their lifecycle.
- Collaborate with project leaders, process engineers, operators, and other stakeholders throughout all project phases.
- Coordinate technicians and junior engineers and supervise contractors during implementation and commissioning activities.
- Manage technical procurements, service contracts, and interactions with industrial suppliers.
- Provide expert operational support and troubleshooting for cooling and ventilation control systems.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and engineering methodologies, and contribute to technical studies internal EN-CV-CL standards improvement.
- Produce and ensure that technical documentation is complete, structured and up to date, in line with quality standards.

Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Industrial Automation, Process Control or a related field.

Behavioural competencies

- Achieving Results: defining clear objectives, milestones and deliverables before initiating work/ project.
- Communicating Effectively: successfully changing other people's opinions by persuasive arguments.
- Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
- Working in Teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.
- Solving Problems: adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than 'gold -plated' technical solutions.

Language skills

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

Requirements

Proficiency in designing, implementing, and commissioning PLC-based industrial control systems using IEC 61131-3 programming languages.; Experience in specifying industrial control systems, including hardware architectures and control strategies.; Experience in testing, validation, and troubleshooting of industrial control systems.; Experience in SCADA/HMI configuration and deployment.; Functional analysis of control systems.; Knowledge and application of advanced controls (non-linear, adaptative, predictive, etc.).; Configuration, and implementation and operation and maintenance of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.; PLC programming using Siemens and Schneider platforms (IEC 61131-3).; SCADA/HMI systems configuration and integration.

Nice to have

Experience operating and maintaining industrial control systems.; Experience providing support to control system users.; Experience with Siemens and/or Schneider PLC platforms.; Knowledge in high-level programming languages (C++, Python, Java) and AI technologies.; Knowledge of advanced control techniques (adaptive, predictive, model-based control).; Knowledge of the CERN UNICOS framework.; Knowledge in cooling or ventilation domains.

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.