Superconducting Magnet Engineer (TE-MSC-TM-2024-183-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

Are you an enthusiastic magnet engineer interested in testing superconducting accelerator magnets? Do you enjoy developing analysis tools, contributing to test station upgrades, improving measurements using sophisticated instrumentation, and giving feedback to the magnet development teams? Come and join a great team pushing the limits of superconducting accelerator magnets, shaping the future of this technology, take part!

The Magnets, Superconductors and Cryostats (MSC) group of the Technology Department (TE), has the mandate to design, construct, measure, and qualify the superconducting and normal conducting magnets for the CERN accelerator complex; integrate them in the CERN accelerator complex; design the magnet cryostats and perform the magnet quality control. The group also provides support to the operation of the accelerators for magnets, magnet performance and other devices.

The Magnet Qualification and Analysis section (MQA) is responsible for the test, qualification and performance analysis of the superconducting accelerator magnets, either before installation in the machine, or as part of a research and development plan. In the coming years, the main focus will gradually shift from the qualification of cryo-magnets for the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider project to R&D magnets for future studies, in particular in the context of the High Field Magnets programme and medical applications. In parallel, the section is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the cryogenic test station, to cope with the evolving needs, such as the test of high temperature superconductor magnets, or prototypes using magnesium diboride, in addition to the most classical niobium-titanium and niobium-tin cables.

Functions

As a superconducting magnet test engineer, with expertise in superconducting magnet technology, you will:

• Plan and follow-up superconducting magnet tests, by defining project requirements, developing formal test programs, overseeing data collection and analysis during tests, and delivering comprehensive reports on performance outcomes;
• Design and develop instrumentation and diagnostics systems to enhance the measurement and characterization of superconducting magnet performance, particularly focusing on quench behaviour in niobium-tin and high-temperature superconductor magnets;
• Perform in-depth analysis of extensive datasets across diverse superconducting magnets and related superconducting systems, ensuring precision and actionable conclusions;
• Lead upgrades to test bench infrastructure to meet evolving project demands, supporting advanced superconducting materials and magnet technologies, for example for high temperature superconducting magnets;
• Contribute to magnet development projects by providing technical feedback and optimizing test setups

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

We are looking for a superconducting magnet test engineer to manage the cryogenic tests and analysis of superconducting magnets, with the following experience:

• Proven experience in testing and analysing the behaviour of accelerator superconducting magnets, or other superconducting devices;
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis and reduction in the domain of combined physical phenomena (e.g. electromagnetism, thermodynamics, cryogenics, mechanics, etc), ideally in the field of applied superconductivity; publication of scientific notes or papers as main author would be a plus;
• Experience in working in a test environment, involving multi-disciplinary and multi-level teams;
• Experience with instrumentation and diagnostics systems, ideally in the field of superconducting magnet technology, would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Measurement and analysis of magnets
• Operation and maintenance of superconducting magnet systems
• Construction, test and installation of superconducting magnets and systems
• Design and modelling of protection systems for superconducting magnets

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind
• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions Working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises
• Communicating Effectively: delivering presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusting style and content to the audience; responding calmly and confidently to questions Expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point
• Working in Teams: seeking to help other team members when own work is done; supporting others Contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change Adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements

Language skills:

Spoken and written English in professional contexts and the willingness to learn French. 

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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 15th of January 2025 23.45 Geneva time. 

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• 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.
• Interventions in underground installations, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: TE-MSC-TM-2024-183-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electromechanical Engineer

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further