RF Engineer (SY-RF-MKS-2025-121-GRAP)

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research; Genf; Vor Ort; CHF 80’000 - 100’000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Join CERN as an RF Engineer to work on high-power radio-frequency systems for the LHC and future accelerators. This role involves leading hardware installations, conducting tests, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, promising a unique journey into scientific discovery within a prestigious organization.

Leistungen

Comprehensive health scheme

Pension Fund membership

30 days of paid leave per year

On-the-job training

In-house language courses

Qualifikationen

• 2 to 6 years post-graduation experience required for Master's degree.
• No more than 3 years post-graduation experience for PhD.

Aufgaben

• Participate in X-band testing and lead hardware planning.
• Perform tests and troubleshoot issues in RF systems.
• Prepare technical documentation including protocols and reports.

Kenntnisse

RF and microwave engineering principles

Test and measurement equipment

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering/Applied Physics

PhD in relevant field

Jobbeschreibung

Join the Modulators, Klystrons & High-Gradient Structures (MKS) Section within the Radio Frequency (RF) Group as an RF Engineer!

The SY-RF-MKS Section is in charge of designing, installing, operating, and optimising high power radio-frequency systems for the LHC, Linac 4, and test facilities for future accelerators. Additionally, we develop electron beam acceleration systems for the CERN plasma wake field acceleration project (AWAKE). We drive the production, testing, and industry transfer of CERN's X-band technology for high gradient accelerating structures.

As part of the EU-funded PACRI project, CERN will test a X-band modulator and klystron to demonstrate high power, high efficiency, and high repetition rate. The work is made in collaboration with external institutions and companies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Participating in the operation of the X-band testing facilities at CERN.
• Leading the planning, procurement and installation of the new hardware, including waveguides, LLRF and acquisition systems, water and vacuum systems.
• Performing acceptance tests on the individual systems and coordinate their integration and installation in the final location.
• Supporting validation and qualification processes for new high-power RF components.
• Performing the global and final tests aimed at demonstrating the final performance.
• Analysing test results, troubleshoot issues, and propose design or process improvements.
• Preparing technical documentation, including test protocols and reports.
• Solid understanding of RF and microwave engineering principles, especially in high-power applications.
• Operation and maintenance of RF components and systems.
• Hands-on experience with RF test and measurement equipment (e.g., network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters).
• Good communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
• You have a professional background in Electrical Engineering/Applied Physics (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.

Additional Information

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Operations on electrical installations or in their vicinity (over 1000 Volt AC or 1500 Volt DC) requiring a specific authorization.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: SY-RF-MKS-2025-121-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287and 6911Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.