Automation Engineer for Machine Protection

The Machine Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, invites applications for Automation Engineer for Machiner Protection.

Description of directorate/division

As Automation Engineer you will be part of ESS's Machine Directorate, responsible to deliver the accelerator, the target station and the integrated control systems. You will join the Integrated Control Systems (ICS) division, responsible for the design, construction, commissioning and operation of control systems for the ESS facility including the accelerator, target station, neutron scattering instruments and conventional facilities. The Integrated Control Systems monitor and control most of the operational aspects. A wide range of sensing, control and automation technology from highly customized electronics specific for ESS applications to standardized PLCs for automation is being covered. The hardware scope involves a mixture from entirely in-house hardware development, through community-style development on standardized open-source code bases to adaption and configuration of off-the shelf commercial systems.

In particular you will join the Protection and Safety Systems Group whose mandate is the design, realization, operation and consolidation of the ESS Machine Protection and Personnel Safety Systems.


• Main Responsibilities

• Develop, verify and document protection functions implementation, fulfilling the associated protection integrity levels and reaction times for the different systems that implement slow (milliseconds order of magnitude) protection functions.
• Implement requirements for dependability for all mission-critical systems in alignment with the ESS availability and reliability goals.
• Design mission-critical systems towards their reliability, availability, maintainability, and inspect-ability and propose means of optimization.
• Coordinate implementations focusing on protection functions required for the initial operations and commissioning phases of the ESS facility.
• Coordinate the project-wide tasks required to bring the facility to its nominal availability requirements, helping ESS to meet the expectations of its community of users.




• Required Qualifications

• Educational

• Engineering, Physics, or a related field.


• Work Experience

• Proven international experience in large facilities, working comfortably with complex systems and multiple cultures.
• Proven experience with electrical diagrams interpretation and physical deployment.
• Expert knowledge in PLC hardware and programming.
• Expert knowledge in SCADA systems.
• Very good knowledge of interlocks solutions and implementation approaches.
• Ability to teach, mentor, communicate to the point, and defend technical concepts and solutions.


• Optional Qualifications

• Familiarity with the International Functional Safety Standards IEC 61508 and IEC 61511.
• Experience in the field of particle accelerator investment protection.
• Understanding of operation of accelerators or neutron sources would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of atlassian tools would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of Siemens STEP7 software programming in standard and failsafe modes would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of WinCC and EPICS tools would be an advantage.


• Personal profile

• Ability to work effectively in and with team(s).
• Being open minded.
• Previous experience of working in a cross-functional role would be an asset.
• Proven written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written English skills are a prerequisite; knowledge of other European languages would be an advantage.
• Experience of working in an international environment is essential.
• Uses initiative to identify and resolve problems/issues with a long-term perspective.
• Enjoys providing comprehensive and thoroughly analyzed information to support decision-making.





What ESS can offer
At ESS we offer people with talent and passion a unique opportunity to be involved in the development and building of a world leading facility for materials research. Besides attractive employment and relocation conditions, the flexibility to balance work life with private life and good opportunities to further enhance your skills; you will also enjoy being part of an organisational culture that promotes and supports internal career growth. We pride ourselves in having successful collaboration across different functions, and as the facility continues to grow we will keep nurturing the international and vibrant environment welcoming people from all across the world.

Duration & Location
The position is permanent with six months initial probationary period. Your work place will be situated in Lund, Sweden.

Start date
The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

Application & Contact
Please provide your curriculum vitae and cover letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website.

The deadline for applications is 28th of May 2017.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process. For further information regarding the position, please contact Group Leader, Annika Nordt, annika.nordt[at]esss.se. For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Officer, Sara Margaryan, sara.margaryan[at]esss.se.