Test & Measurement Engineer (BE-CEM-MTA-2026-168-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

You will help design, integrate, and operate complex test and measurement systems in cryogenic, electrical, and controls environments.

Your work will support the characterisation and validation of superconducting magnets and related components under demanding protection, synchronisation, and reliability requirements. You will join CERN’s Beams Department, working in the Controls Electronics and Mechatronics Group and the Measurement, Test and Analysis section. The role involves developing modern control and data acquisition systems using LABVIEW, C++, Python, and CERN controls technologies.

Functions

- Design, develop and validate software, controls and data acquisition architectures for superconducting magnet, cable and coil test benches, from functional requirements to acceptance tests.
- Develop, maintain and integrate applications in C++, Python, LabVIEW and CERN controls technologies, including FESA/CMW equipment control interfaces for front-end and test-bench systems.
- Integrate and support electronics, instrumentation, timing, interlocks, protection and data acquisition hardware on Linux-based, real-time and front-end platforms.
- Operate, monitor, debug and improve complex superconducting magnet test systems, including cryogenic measurements, high-current/high-voltage tests, fast transients, quench detection and safe data acquisition.
- Collaborate with CERN teams responsible for magnets, powering, protection, cryogenics, electronics and controls; document and present results, and promote good software engineering practices, including GitLab, code reviews, automated testing and clear documentation.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics or a related field.

Behavioural competencies

- Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
- Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
- Solving Problems: producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements.
- Demonstrating Accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
- Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.

Language skills

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

Requirements

Proven experience in C++ and Python software design and development for data acquisition, automation, testing, analysis or controls applications.; Experience developing software for hardware control and data acquisition systems, preferably on Linux-based, real-time or front-end platforms.; Knowledge of CERN accelerator controls concepts and technologies, such as FESA, CMW, device-property models, timing systems or equipment control interfaces, would be a strong asset.; Familiarity with electronics, instrumentation, signal conditioning, acquisition hardware and troubleshooting of measurement chains, experience with LabVIEW, LabVIEW RT or LabVIEW FPGA would be an asset.; Understanding of superconducting magnet or cryogenic/electrical testing challenges, including quench detection, high-voltage protection, electrical insulation tests, noise, synchronisation, interlocks and safe acquisition.; Knowledge and deployment of computing hardware.; Testing and measurement of front-end electronics for analogue sensors and transducers.; Measurement and analysis of magnets.; Design, modelling and measurement of superconductors for magnets.

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.