Robotics Engineer (BE-CEM-MRO-2024-118-LD)

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

You have always wanted to be challenged with the exploitation of robotics solutions for inspection and maintenance in challenging environments? You want to manage projects from the initial design stages up to the commissioning phases? You want to apply your robotic engineering knowledge to design, develop and maintain complex robotic devices? If you relish a challenge, join CERN`s Mechatronics, Robotics and Operation section and realize your potential. Take part!

You will join the Beams Department (BE), the Controls Electronics and Mechatronics Group (CEM), and in particular the Mechatronics, Robotics and Operation section (MRO), responsible for the design and the operation of the mechatronics of the CERN accelerators beam intercepting devices (BIDs) as well as the development of robotic solutions for remote inspections and tele-manipulation in hazardous areas. 

Functions

As a Robotics Engineer, you will follow-up the conception and realization of novel robotic systems for inspection and maintenance, as well as their operation within the CERN accelerator and experimental areas complex to reduce human exposure to hazards and increase machines availability.

You will drive the mechatronics engineering aspect for robotic innovation projects from concept through verification and validation and on to implementation. You will design and implement new robotic devices, end effectors, tools and intervention procedures based on the requirement of new projects, including the search of innovative solutions for the remote maintenance of the HL-LHC Collimators and the Future Circular Collider. More in particular, you will:

• Take the responsibility for the design and/or selection, production, acceptance tests, and operation of complex robotic systems, with particular focus on mechatronics and controls aspects;
• Design prototype robotic systems and components, and follow-up their construction and assembly;
• Develop and support, robotic mechanical interfaces, end effectors and remote manipulation tools to be applied on different robotic platforms;
• Design, develop and support mock-ups for the acceptance tests of robotic systems, intervention procedures, tools, sensors, actuators, and embedded control electronics;
• Prepare remote intervention procedures for intervention in unstructured and harsh environment, including failure mode analysis and recovery scenarios;
• Under operational conditions, monitor, test and debug the robots behavior to understand and correct possible root-cause failure mode;
• Create and update technical documentation, test plans, and test results, analyze results and provide conclusive reports;
• Mentor junior developers and coach robot operators;
• Interact with other groups at CERN, in particular those in charge of equipment that need remote maintenance, and with the health and safety department, in order to optimize the performance of the robotic missions as well as proposing solution for robotic reconnaissance missions.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of robotics, mechatronics, electrical or electronic engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in robotics with a sincere passion for mechatronics designs and robots operation;
• Experience with design and simulations of complex robotic systems, including their mechanical interfaces, end effectors, haptic devices, tools and safety related aspects;
• Experience in installation and maintenance of robotic systems;
• Proven experience in the remote operation of robotic systems in complex and semi-structured  environments, together with systems performance and availability monitoring;
• Fluency in CAD tools;
• Knowledge of C++, Python and mathematical modeling of robots would be a plus.

Technical competencies:

• Design and construction of mechatronic and robotic systems;
• Knowledge and application of automation and control theory;
• Integration of robotic systems in complex environments;
• Knowledge and application of numerical modelling;
• Functional analysis of robotic systems.

Behavioural competencies:

• Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements.
• Demonstrating flexibility: demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change; readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind; driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English: ability to understand and speak the English language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in English.
• The ability to speak French would be an advantage, at least a willingness to learn rapidly.

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 September 8, 2024 by 23:59.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 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.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-CEM-MRO-2024-118-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electromechanical Engineer