Opportunities in Switzerland

About the company

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.

Full job description

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.

Qualifications and requirements

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.

Experience:

• 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.

Technical competencies:

• 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.

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.

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 31.08.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 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.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-CEM-MTA-2026-168-LD

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Computing 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

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.

Experience:

• 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.

Technical competencies:

• 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.

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.

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.