Your responsibilities

The Electrical Engineering Group (EN-EL) at CERN is responsible for the electrical power-distribution network (from 400 kV to 400/230V), for the fibre-optics infrastructure, and for signal and DC-power cabling for the accelerator complex.

You will join the Electrical Design and Documentation Office (EN-EL-DDO). You will take on an electrical designer role under the support of senior design managers to work on strategic projects of CERN, namely the electrical renovation project of the AWAKE accelerator, and electrical substation consolidation projects and small electrical studies.

With the support of a senior designer, you will do the design of low voltage distribution networks, equipment sizing, protection studies, lighting studies and earthing studies with the objective of taking on projects of increasing complexity.

It is expected that you have the foundation and theoretical background of the following tasks:

• Design of electrical distribution circuits;
• Prepare the respective design drawings related to single line diagrams;
• Prepare calculation notes, lighting studies and earthing studies;
• Prepare bills of material for electrical-related equipment.

In addition to the design tasks listed above, you will be required to:

• Identify the needs and requirements from the design managers or project managers;
• Support the project manager in preparing technical documents;
• Work with CERN's equipment databases;
• Planning and follow-up of activities.

Your profile

Skills:

• Proven experience in the design of low voltage distribution networks (selectivity, completing detailed calculation notes, knowledge of European LV standards, protection, knowledge of UPS' and generators, protection of circuits for indirect contact, knowledge of different types of earthing systems, safety networks);
• A good understanding of power systems; voltage drop calculations, short circuit calculations, understanding fault levels, dimensioning of cables;
• Experience on low voltage design calculation tools (ElecCalc, Caneco or similar software);
• Proficient in AutoCAD.

Beneficial skills/or knowledge:

• Experience on the design of lighting systems for buildings and external areas using DIALux;
• Experience on secondary design with E-PLAN or similar software;
• Experience in the design of medium voltage distribution networks.

Language skills:

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

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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 13.10.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Target start date: 01-January-2026

This position involves:

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

Job reference: EN-EL-DDO-2025-143-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 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.