Automation Technician

The European Spallation Source ERIC (ESS) is a partnership organisation of 13 European member countries located in the city of Lund, Sweden. The ESS is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.  

Come and build the future of Science with us!  

About the role 

The ESS is at an exciting turning point - it is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are now seeking to appoint an Automation Technician for the Motion Control & Automation Group (MCAG). The MCAG is responsible for deploying PLC motion control systems to the Neutron Scattering Instruments, delivered by European in-kind partners to ESS. The task of the group is to develop standards for motion at ESS and work with partners to implement these across the whole facility. The focus of the group is to support the construction of neutron instruments in NSS. 

The main areas of responsibilities in this position will be to: 


• Complement the engineering efforts of the MCAG with practical competence in automation components selection, cabling and electrical drawings.
• Build-up of test hardware and controllers to support the motion control related parts of the various Acceptance Tests of instrument sub-systems; support the tests with installation and adjustment of electromechanical motion components.
• As part of the Common MCA project:

• Build-up/customise and test standardised motion control cabinets to be delivered to instrument teams.
• Manufacture, terminate and test motion control cables for instruments; collaborate for this with contractors and personnel of suppliers.
• Train staff and advise on ESS standards.
• Support the commissioning of whole motion systems on instruments.


• Contribute to the organisation of Electrical Safety in the MCAG workshops and labs.

This is a 3-year fixed-term position, with the possibility of future opportunities in the organisation. It is based in Lund, Sweden, and we need someone who can start as soon as practically possible. In the future, this role may require on-call duties and/or shift work, which will be compensated for, according to our collective agreement. 

About you 

To thrive in this role, we believe that you have: 


• Certified professional education in the field of Automation Technology (Electronics Technician, Industrial Electrician or similar).
• Practical working experience in cabinet building and setting up automation control systems including installation, cabling and testing.
• Experience in termination of multipin small signal cables with crimping and soldering connectors.
• Knowledge of national and international norms, standards and best practices for cabling and installation.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

 The following would be an advantage: 


• Certificate/Training for work on Low Voltage Systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting PLCs and motion control systems.
• Knowledge of wiring diagram software, preferably ePlan

We believe that you are a very practical person, but also with understanding in design processes. You are service-minded, collaborative and responsible, and have good organisational skills. You are self-motivated and take pride in delivering quality work, according to deadlines. Documenting your work comes naturally to you. It is also important that you feel comfortable working in an international environment. 

What can we offer? 

Aside from the chance to work at a truly unique Big Science project, you can also expect:  


• An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.
• A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.
• A challenging, innovative and stimulating work environment.
• 25 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.
• Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.
• Focus on work-life balance.
• Preventative healthcare benefit.
• Where applicable, relocation support and allowances may also be available.


Interested? We sure hope so.  

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. We will review applications continuously so please apply as soon as you can, or by 23 October, 2024 at the latest. 

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety and/or security checks, which may be carried out during the recruitment process.  

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please see https://europeanspallationsource.se/careers or contact Recruitment Officer Åsa Ander at asa.ander@ess.eu  

For further information regarding the position, please contact the hiring manager Thomas Gahl at thomas.gahl@ess.eu  

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Mikael Johansson at mikael.johansson@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu  

We look forward to receiving your application!