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.

Introduction

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes back the limits of technology so that physicists can carry out their research. Within the Electrical Engineering Group (EL) of the EN department, you will join the Fibre Optics Section (FO), which is in charge of CERN's optical fibre infrastructure. The section ensures the technical expertise in the field of fibre optics, and provides optical structured cabling for multiple systems on the CERN site, including in the accelerators and experimental areas. The Section provides engineering support to the CERN users, centralises their cabling requests and organises the installation activities through external industrial-support contractors. Additionally, the Section carries out research on specialty fibres for both communication and sensing applications, and provides fibre-based systems for radiation dose monitoring.

Are you skilled in the domain of fibre optics technology, and are you ready to take on challenging installation projects whilst bringing innovation to the development of technologies? Are you willing to contribute to the continuous extension, consolidation, and maintenance of CERN’s optical fibre network constituting the infrastructure for the major communication systems of the various accelerators, including CERN’s current leading project: the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC). Take part!

Functions

As a Fibre Optics Engineer, you will:

• Lead engineering studies of the optical fibre infrastructure and develop strategy for improving its efficiency and reliability.
• Provide expertise and engineering advice to stakeholders for converting their systems from copper cabling to optical fibres.
• Draw up technical specifications and manage industrial supply contracts.
• Define optical fibre component standards, installation methodologies, and testing procedures.
• Organize and supervise optical fibre cabling installations, ensure worksite coordination and supervision of contractors in charge of installation, and respect of safety rules.
• Manage projects, follow up with timely implementation and regularly report on issues, schedule, cost; draw up technical notes, documentation and publications.
• Contribute to team management and people supervision.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of photonics, electronics engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• The experience required for this post is:
  • Proven experience in people supervision and team management.
  • Demonstrated experience in design and deployment of optical links for signal transmission.
  • Demonstrated experience in testing and measurement of optical fibres and optical components.
  • Demonstrated experience in writing technical specifications and scientific publications.
  • Proven experience in both contract and project management, including strategy development from initial open-ended issues.

Technical competencies:

• Definition of tendering and contracting strategies: specification and follow-up of technical aspects of a contract.
• Knowledge and application of signal theory and telecommunication techniques over optical links.
• Knowledge and application of optoelectronics components, testing and measurement of optical fibres.

Behavioural competencies:

• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Solving Problems: anticipating obstacles; assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
• Working in Teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.
• Communicating Effectively: listening actively to others and letting others speak Checking to ensure that the message has been well understood.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English: ability to understand and speak the language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and scientific publications and to make oral presentations.
• Spoken French: ability to understand and entertain basic conversations.

Eligibility and closing date:

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. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 10.09.2023 at 23:55 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (initial 3 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

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

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EN-EL-FO-2022-192-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Engineer