Electrical Engineer (SY-ABT-PPE-2024-160-GRAP)

Your responsibilities

In the Systems Department (SY), the Accelerator Beam Transfer Group (ABT) is responsible for the design, development, construction, and operation of beam injection and extraction equipment. Within the ABT group, the Pulsed Power Engineering Section (PPE) forms a small, specialized team that focuses on fast pulsed beam transfer systems throughout the CERN accelerator complex. These systems consist of high voltage/current pulse generators, impedance-matched transmission lines, and low-inductance electromagnets.

The PPE team is now seeking a motivated graduate to contribute to its ongoing research and development efforts in pulsed power cables. In the LHC injector complex, kicker systems frequently rely on pulse generators with Pulse Forming Line (PFL) topologies. These PFL lines are low-attenuation coaxial cables capable of handling 80 kV and 5 kA pulses. At the time of their construction, a composite of SF6-pressurized polyethylene (PE) foil was selected as the dielectric material.

CERN is currently exploring alternatives to replace these high-voltage cables, connectors, and connection boxes with SF6 gas-free solutions. Due to the unique application and performance requirements, significant development studies are needed to develop suitable successor technologies.

 Specifically, you will:

• Contribute to the development of SF6 gas-free cables, connectors and connection boxes.
• Simulate electromagnetic components for kicker systems as required.
• Prepare high voltage test setups required for validation and quality control of kicker equipment.
• Conduct acceptance testing of kicker equipment under the supervision of experienced staff. 
• Document measurement results, essential for the project and future reference.
• Act as a liaison with other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the implementation of upcoming cable replacement projects.
• Work in the laboratory hands-on (measuring, soldering, building circuits and setups)

More information here: https://sy-dep-abt.web.cern.ch/ppe

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools.
• Experience with electrical measurement equipment (oscilloscope, RCL meter, etc.).
• Ability to document test results accurately.
• Ability to program simple software code (Python, LabView, etc.).
• Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and international environment  Background in high voltage engineering is an advantage. Experience with testing, validation, and acceptance procedures is an advantage.
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Electrical Engineering (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Job closing date: 1st November at 23:59 (midnight) CET.

Job reference: SY-ABT-PPE-2024-160-GRAP

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Target start date: 01-December-2024

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.