Electrical Engineer for Power Converters R&D (SY-EPC-FPC-2025-106-LD)

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in powering accelerating systems for the world’s largest particle accelerator currently under study, the Future Circular Collider (FCC)? Join CERN’s Electrical Power Converter Group (EPC) and leave your mark on the development and operation of the electrical systems for CERN's particle accelerators. Take part!

You will join the  Accelerator Systems Department  (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

The  Electrical Power Converter Group  in the Accelerator Systems Department (SY) is responsible for the electrical power systems for the entire CERN accelerator complex. 

You will join the dynamic  Fast-Pulsed Converter Section , responsible for most of high voltage power converters (from 10s of kW to multi-MW) at CERN.  

Functions

As an Electrical Engineer, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary R&D team, actively shaping the future of accelerator technology. You will take the lead in defining and developing the power systems for a broad spectrum of Radio Frequency (RF) equipment  ranging from a few kilowatts up to 130 megawatts which are critical to accelerating particle beams in next-generation accelerator projects currently under development.

You will:

Power Converter design and modelling

• Define optimal topologies and switching technologies for both Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage (HV) DC/DC and AC/DC power converters, including high-voltage protection devices such as solid-state switches (e.g., IGBT-based fast disconnectors). Converter power ratings range from a few tens of kilowatts to several megawatts;
• Develop analytical and numerical models to evaluate power converter performance, considering parameters such as efficiency, dynamic response, size, footprint, and cost, based on specific input/output requirements;
• Design and refine digital control strategies to improve converter performance and reliability;
• Validate models through simulations and, when necessary, small-scale prototyping.

System-Level optimization

• Integrate converter models into a broader system-level optimization framework to reduce costs and enhance overall system performance;
• Collaborate closely with specialists across various accelerator technology domains to ensure cohesive and efficient system design.

Reporting and communication

• Present project progress, challenges, and outcomes in internal meetings and external conferences;
• Produce comprehensive technical documentation to support R&D activities and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electrical engineering or power electronics or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience:

• Demonstrated experience in design and modelling of power electronics converters topologies;
• Proven experience with power semiconductors technologies, thermal and electrical simulation tools such as Matlab/Simulink.

Desired experience:

• Initial experience with Python;
• Initial experience in numerical optimization.

Technical competencies:

• Design and modelling of power electronic components and systems;
• Knowledge and application of power electronics techniques;
• Functional analysis of control systems.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Solving problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
• Communicating effectively: giving praise and providing honest and constructive feedback.

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 June 22, 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

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• 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: SY-EPC-FPC-2025-106-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer