Controls and Automation Engineer

C&I, Mechanical, Systems, Physics, Data, Software.

About us

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. 

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Job description

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.

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.

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.
  • Apply 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.

Your profile

  • 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.
  • 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.

This position involves:

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

What we offer

  • A monthly net stipend of either 5,266 or 5,793 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree.
  • 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
  • Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
  • A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
  • Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
  • On-the-job and formal training including language classes.
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Job ID Number: EN-CV-CL-2026-230-GRAE
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Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    October 18th, 2026
  • Starting
    February 2027
  • Salary
    5,266 - 5,793 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax) + benefits
  • Degree required
    2:1 and above
  • Location
    Geneva (Switzerland)
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Disciplines Accepted...
  • AI/Machine Learning
  • Control & Instrumentation
  • Data Science
  • Mechanical
  • Physics
  • Software/Systems
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