Controls and Automation Engineer (EN-CV-CL-2026-230-GRAE) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
The Cooling & Ventilation (CV) Group is responsible for the design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the cooling systems, pumping stations, air conditioning plants, and fluid distribution networks serving CERN's accelerator complex, experimental areas, selected LHC detector cooling systems, and strategic technical infrastructures such as the Computer Centre.
This project aims to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions to improve the energy efficiency and performance of existing and future CV plants.
The Project Engineer will analyse plant operation, develop physical models of HVAC and hydraulic systems using simulation tools, and assess alternative control strategies.
- The Cooling & Ventilation (CV) Group is responsible for the design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the cooling systems, pumping stations, air conditioning plants, and fluid distribution networks serving CERN's accelerator complex, experimental areas, selected LHC detector cooling systems, and strategic technical infrastructures such as the Computer Centre.
- This project aims to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions to improve the energy efficiency and performance of existing and future CV plants.
- Your responsibilities
- Develop and validate dynamic simulation models of HVAC, cooling, ventilation, and hydraulic systems to assess plant performance and evaluate energy optimisation opportunities.
- Experience in modelling and simulation of physical systems (HVAC, hydraulic, thermal, or industrial processes) using tools such as EcosimPro, Matlab/Simulink, or similar platforms.
- Experience in the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of industrial control systems, with knowledge of advanced control techniques considered an asset.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities
- Develop and validate dynamic simulation models of HVAC, cooling, ventilation, and hydraulic systems to assess plant performance and evaluate energy optimisation opportunities.
- Design, test, and implement control system improvements, including advanced control strategies, to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and operational stability.
Key requirements
- Experience in modelling and simulation of physical systems (HVAC, hydraulic, thermal, or industrial processes) using tools such as EcosimPro, Matlab/Simulink, or similar platforms.
- Experience in the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of industrial control systems, with knowledge of advanced control techniques considered an asset.
- Experience in data analysis and software development using Python; familiarity with data analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence libraries is an advantage. Skills
- System Modelling & Simulation: HVAC, hydraulic, and industrial process modelling using EcosimPro, Matlab/Simulink, or equivalent tools.
- PLC Programming & Automation: Siemens Step7, TIA Portal, and/or Schneider EcoStruxure Control Expert.
- Python programming, data analysis, Machine Learning, and AI techniques for process optimisation and performance monitoring.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Eligibility criteria:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
Application process
- data analytics, Machine Learning, and neural network techniques to support performance monitoring, fault detection, predictive analysis, and process optimisation.
- Manage the deployment, testing, commissioning, and performance verification of selected process, control, and AI-based solutions on operational production plants.
- Produce technical studies, engineering recommendations, and performance assessments, and collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure successful implementation of improvements.
- More information here .
- By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Automation and Controls (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree .
- You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
- Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
- Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.
Company and context
- 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
Additional details
- Based on these studies, the engineer will design and validate process and control improvements, and manage their deployment, testing, and commissioning on operational plants to ensure the expected performance and energy savings are achieved.
- Apply data analytics, Machine Learning, and neural network techniques to support performance monitoring, fault detection, predictive analysis, and process optimisation.
- Experience in data analysis and software development using Python; familiarity with data analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence libraries is an advantage.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum. Working hours: 40 hours per week Job flexibility: Fully Onsite Target start date: 01-February-2027 This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations. A valid driving licence. Job reference: EN-CV-CL-2026-230-GRAE Field of work: Electrical Engineering Benchmark job: 200020 Computing Engineer
Notes and original content
- Your profile
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
- Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
- Working hours: 40 hours per week
- Job flexibility: Fully Onsite
- Target start date: 01-February-2027
- This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations.
- A valid driving licence.
Questions about this listing
What salary does CERN offer for this role?
CERN lists CHF 71'000 - 107'500 gross per year for this position in Genève. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does CERN offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with CERN during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Geneva?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Geneva can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Geneva's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at CERN?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to CERN's original listing at jobs.smartrecruiters.com, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
