Company Description

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.

Job Description

Introduction

Join CERN’s mission to advance accelerator technology. As an Engineer in the Superconducting Radio-Frequency Section, you will design and develop key RF components for the new 400 MHz Demonstrator Cryomodule, contributing to innovations that will drive the future of particle physics.

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

You will join the SC RF Cavity Technology Section, of the Radiofrequency Group. You will participate in the development of RF power components, and in particular the fundamental RF power couplers and HOM RF power extraction couplers, which are highly sophisticated and critical components in the RF power transmission to accelerator SRF cavities.

Functions

You will join a multidisciplinary team developing advanced accelerator technologies for CERN’s future program. Your work will focus on the design and development of key RF components, Fundamental Power Couplers (FPC) and High Order Mode (HOM) extraction couplers—for the new 400 MHz Demonstrator Cryomodule (DEMO).

More specifically, you will:

• Take a significant part in the mechanical design of FPCs and HOM couplers, including material selection and manufacturing technologies.
• Perform coupled RF, thermal, and mechanical simulations across all operating conditions, from room temperature to cryogenic (<4.5 K), optimising designs for efficiency and reliability.
• Contribute to the design, construction, and operation of test stations for RF conditioning and high-power qualification.
• Oversee the production and assembly of prototypes, including preparation of specifications, cleanroom procedures, quality control, and documentation.
• Support cryogenic qualification testing on single cavities and full assemblies.
• Collaborate across internal and external teams, reporting progress and presenting results in workshops and conferences.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electrical or mechanical engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in mechanical and electrical engineering aspects of RF equipment applied to scientific instruments.
• Demonstrated experience with electromagnetic simulation tools for evaluating RF fields, power dissipation, and multipacting effects, in addition to mechanical and thermal finite element computations and computer-aided design software.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating multidisciplinary projects for scientific instruments, covering the full lifecycle from conceptual and electromagnetic design through mechanical integration, prototyping, RF testing, and qualification.
• Experience in preparing technical specification, technical reports and publishing paper in international conferences.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of RF techniques, incl. electrical engineering techniques for the design, testing, and optimisation of superconducting RF systems.
• Design and analysis of mechanical structures.
• Knowledge and application of cryogenic heat transfer and insulation techniques.
• Design and modelling of RF accelerating structures.
• Knowledge and application of clean-room techniques.

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: thinking "out of the box" and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies.
• Managing self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Working in teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.
• Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. 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 05.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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

Job Flexibility: Fully onsite

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• 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: SY-RF-SRF-2025-248-LD

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer