Electrical Design Engineer (EN-EL-DDO-2026-104-GRAP) at CERN · Geneva

Job Description

The Electrical Engineering Group (EN-EL) at CERN is responsible for the electrical power-distribution network (from 400 kV to 400/230V), for the fibre-optics infrastructure, and for signal and DC-power cabling for the accelerator complex.

You will join the Electrical Design and Documentation Office (EN-EL-DDO) as an Electrical Designer. Working under the guidance of senior design managers, you will contribute to several strategic CERN projects, including the electrical consolidation of the North Area, SPS LV electrical substations and the renovation of obsolete medium-voltage protection relays in the LHC.

With the support of a senior designer, you will do the design of low voltage distribution networks, equipment sizing, protection studies and lighting studies with the objective of taking on projects of increasing complexity.

Your responsibilities

You are expected to possess the foundational knowledge required to:

• Perform short-circuit calculations.
• Conduct protection coordination and selectivity studies.
• Design electrical power distribution systems and circuits.
• Prepare calculation reports, lighting studies, and earthing studies.
• Produce electrical design drawings, including single-line diagrams.
• Prepare bills of materials for electrical equipment and installations.

More information here.

Your profile

• Proven hands-on experience in the design of low voltage distribution networks (LV calculation notes, equipment dimensioning, selectivity studies and protection).
• Proven experience in short circuit calculations.
• Proven experience in selectivity studies.
• Experience in the design of lighting systems for buildings and external areas using DIALux is beneficial to the role.
• Experience in secondary design with E-PLAN or similar software is beneficial to the role.
• Experience in the design of medium voltage distribution networks is beneficial to the role.

Skills

Required skills and knowledge:

• Knowledge of LV standards, LV protection, indirect contact protection, knowledge of different types of earthing systems and safety networks).
• A good understanding of power systems; voltage drop calculations, short circuit calculations and dimensioning of cables and equipment.
• Experience with low voltage design calculation tools (ElecCalc, Caneco or similar software).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You have a professional background in Electrical Engineering (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: 26.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-September-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job reference: EN-EL-DDO-2026-104-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark job: 200030 - Electrical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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