Electrical and Automation Technician (EN-AA-AS-2025-217-LD)

Company Description

At CERN , the European Organisation 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. 

Job Description

Introduction

Be responsible for the maintenance and operation of safety systems and emergency communications systems.  

Contribute with your skills to upgrade and improve existing systems, ensuring they operate reliably and effectively.

Functions

• Take technical responsibility for the operation and maintenance of fire detection systems, of emergency communications systems and of the infrastructures supporting both hardwired and software-based safety alarm transmissions;  
• Contribute to the consolidation of fire detection, emergency communications systems and alarm transmission systems;  
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to alarm transmission: testing, operating, and maintaining PLC-based control systems and associated SCADA systems;  
• Integrate new fire detection and alarm requests from users by preparing detailed work documentation (e.g., electrical drawings), monitoring the progress of the teams on site, and commissioning in collaboration with other CERN services;  
• Maintain technical documentation of the alarms and cable networks up to date using the CERN dedicated databases;  
• Supervise technically the work of industrial support contractors, ensuring high-quality outcomes;  
• Manage planning and budget for the activities under your responsibility;  
• Liaise with coordination teams, safety officers, the Fire Brigade, and Control Room operators to organise fieldwork, interventions, and testing activities. 

Qualifications

Higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of: electricity, electrotechnical, automation or equivalent, or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in electrical installation projects or in the maintenance of electrical installations;  
• Proven experience in implementing, testing, operating and maintaining PLC-based control systems and associated SCADA systems;
• Experience in executing and supervising cabling installations, including the preparation of work files, on-site supervision, and acceptance of electrical cabling projects;  
• Experience in fire detection systems, operation and maintenance;
• Experience with electrical diagrams and the use of CAD software packages such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and CATIA would be an advantage;  
• Knowledge of functional safety standards (i.e. IEC61508/IEC61511) would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Organisation, planning and control: including supervision of work (maintenance or installation activities);
• Construction, test and commissioning of electrical circuits and networks;
• Installation, operation and maintenance of control systems;
• Design, implementation and testing of safety systems;
• Configuration and use of information management systems (Hexagon EAM, CAD tools, SCADA).

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Solving Problems: finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgements based on all the facts available.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

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 Organisation. 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 19.11.2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 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.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Shift work, stand-by duty when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job grade: 3-4

Job reference: EN-AA-AS-2025-217-LD

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Technician