Job Description
Your responsibilities
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.
More information here: https://mediawall.infn.it/video/1022/xbox?channelName=_620f7088a58ad
Your profile
Skills:
- 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.
Eligibility criteria:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
- 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
Job closing date: 06.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.
Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Target start date: 01-October-2025
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 6287 and 6911 Swiss 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.