Electrical Engineer – Einstein Telescope

About the role

CERN's Electrical Group (EN-EL) manages the operation, maintenance and works on the CERN electrical network, and its Electrical Project Management Section (EPM) handles projects for the electrical transmission and distribution network and for powering future scientific infrastructures. As an Electrical Engineer for the Einstein Telescope (ET), you will support the group's mission by taking part in the studies of the ET's electrical network and infrastructure. The ET is a proposed underground third-generation gravitational-wave observatory, currently in the study phase.

Key responsibilities

• Define electrical requirements with users and produce the Electrical Load List.
• Prepare conceptual design specifications and reports.
• Develop and use HV, MV and LV network models in commercial software for load flow, short circuit, transient stability and harmonic analysis studies.
• Prepare single line diagrams, failure mode scenarios and backup power supply solutions for surface and underground facilities.
• Contribute to studies on energy storage, grid control, FACTS and DC grids.
• Support grid connection preparation, and carry out surveys and measurements on CERN's existing electrical systems and other telescope installations.
• Support bills of quantities and cost estimates (CAPEX and OPEX).
• Review electrical system requirements and coordinate with the Study team on 3D modelling of the electrical infrastructure.
• Survey new technologies in electrical distribution that could be deployed on the project.

Required profile

• Nationality of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• Professional background in Electrical Engineering (or a related field).
• Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation experience, or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience.
• No previous CERN fellow or graduate contract.
• Experience with HV, MV and LV network modelling and conceptual design of electrical installations; experience in electrical network studies, cost estimation and underground installation design is an asset.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Required skills

• Modelling of high, medium and low voltage networks.
• Conceptual design of electrical installations in industrial facilities.
• Knowledge of underground installation design and clean room applications is an advantage.

What we offer

• Monthly net stipend of 6,372 or 7,004 Swiss Francs depending on degree.
• 30 days of paid leave plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Health insurance coverage for yourself, spouse and children, and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant allowances and a relocation package.
• Contract of 24 months, extendable up to 36 months, with on-the-job and formal training including language classes.