Electrical Engineer for Einstein Telescope (EN-EL-EPM-2026-170-GRAP)

The Electrical Group of the Engineering Department (EN-EL) is responsible of operation, maintenance and works on the CERN electrical network. Within the Electrical Group, you will join the Electrical Project Management Section (EPM), which is responsible for the management of projects related to the CERN's electrical transmission and distribution network and to the powering of future scientific infrastructures.

The Einstein Telescope (ET) is a proposed underground facility for a third-generation gravitational-wave observatory. Building on the success of Advanced Virgo and Advanced LIGO, which detected merging black holes and neutron stars, ET will have a much higher sensitivity. This will be achieved with 10km interferometer arms (up from Virgo's 3km), a depth of 150-300 meters underground, and new technologies like cryogenic cooling of optics around 15K, quantum techniques to reduce light fluctuations, and advanced noise-reduction systems. ET will enable exploration of the Universe's gravitational waves back to the cosmological dark ages, offering insights into fundamental physics and cosmology.

The ET project is in the 'study' phase at present and will transition into an execution project after its approval.

Your responsibilities

As an Electrical Engineer, you will support the mission of the group EN-EL, taking part in the studies of the electrical network and infrastructure of Einstein Telescope.

Your main tasks will include:

• Defining the electrical requirements with users and producing the Electrical Load List.
• Preparation of conceptual design specifications and reports.
• Develop and use models of the HV, MV and LV networks of the telescope using commercially available software applications to perform various electrical system studies such as load flow, short circuit, transient stability, harmonic analysis etc.
• Preparing the transmission and distribution single line diagrams, failure mode scenarios and backup power supply solutions for both surface and underground facilities.
• Contribute to the study for a potential deployment of energy storage, grid control, FACTS, and DC grids.

Additional tasks will include:

• Providing the inputs required and supporting the grid connection preparation.
• Perform surveys/ carry out measurements on CERN existing electrical systems (surface and underground) and other similar telescope installations globally as appropriate, to retrieve the information useful for the studies.
• Support the preparation of bill of quantities and cost estimate (CAPEX and OPEX).
• Define and review the requirements of the electrical systems and co-ordinate with the other Study team members for 3D modelling of the electrical infrastructure for its integration into the overall model and the civil works.
• Contribute to the (technological) survey of new technologies in the electrical distribution domain that could be deployed on the project.

More information here.

Your profile

• Experience in developing and the use of the models for High Voltage, Medium Voltage, and Low Voltage networks.
• Experience in the conceptual design of the electrical installations in the industrial facilities.
• Previous professional experience in the domain of the electrical network studies is considered an asset.
• Experience in the cost estimation processing would be an advantage.

Skills

• Know-how/ appreciation of the Clean Room application would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of designing the underground installations would be considered as an asset.
• Innovative problem-solving attitude.
• Mindset to manoeuvre through and carry out multiple design iterations to support the early-stage development of the project.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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.

Job closing date: 17.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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-January-2027

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EN-EL-EPM-2026-170-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical Engineering

Benchmark job: 200030 - Electrical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 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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