PLC Software Engineer for Safety Critical Control Systems

The Integrated Control System Division at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, invites applicants for a PLC software engineer for safety critical control systems in the Protection Systems Group.

Description of Directorate/Division

As a PLC software engineer for safety critical control systems you will be part of ESS's Machine Directorate, and you will join the Integrated Control System Division, responsible for the design, construction, integration, commissioning, and operation of control systems for the ESS facility covering the accelerator, target station, neutron scattering instruments and conventional facilities.

The Integrated Control System monitors and controls most of the operational aspects. We cover a wide range of sensing, control and automation technology from highly customized electronics specific for ESS applications to standardized PLCs.

Description of the Group

The Protection Systems Group is responsible for the delivery of facility-wide machine protection (MP) and personnel safety systems (PSS). These systems are critical for the successful and safe operation of the facility and are highly integrated into the design of the whole facility. As such, the work of the group involves plenty of interaction with stakeholders throughout the whole ESS project, both in Lund and internationally.

Main Responsibilities


• Design, implement, test, simulate and document PLC and HMI software for Personnel Safety Systems.
• Design PLC software towards a high degree of reliability, availability, maintainability, and inspect-ability and propose means of optimization.
• Prepare, execute and document functional verification and validation of PLC software for Personnel Safety Systems.
• Be involved in reviewing the PLC software from other systems and projects within the Protection Systems Group.
• Support relevant PLC software maintenance activities.
• Actively participate in the integration of equipment/systems located in the accelerator, target station and the neutron instruments into the overall ESS Strategy for Personnel Safety.

Required Qualifications


• University degree in relevant fields such as automation, computer science or information technology with strong focus on PLC software development and optimization, software engineering, networks, programmable electronics, SCADA systems and frameworks.
• Excellent knowledge and experience in using Siemens TIA portal programming tools, including related HMI development.
• Experience in programing Siemens safety PLCs.
• Experience in simulating PLC and HMI programs.
• Experience in documenting software requirements, designs and tests.
• Excellent oral and written English skills.

Optional Qualifications


• Familiarity with functional safety standard IEC 61511.
• Understanding of operation of particle accelerators, targets, or neutron sources would be an asset.

Personal profile


• Ability to work effectively in and with international team(s).
• Pro-active, taking initiatives, result-oriented and open minded.
• Ability to provide new and innovative technological solutions for complex problems.
• Proven written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written English skills are a prerequisite; knowledge of other European languages would be an advantage.
• 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

ESS can offer you a variety of things, such as passionate colleagues, a vibrant melting pot of diversity, and a challenging and high paced work environment where our employees take great pride in designing and building a world leading facility for materials research. 

If you were to join ESS, you would become an important piece of the puzzle, since all our skilled staff are needed in order to fulfill the overall mission. We value and need expertise, innovative minds, great ways of leading and interacting with others, and the ability to work with people regardless of culture and background.

Duration & Location
This is a temporary three-year position. Your work place will be situated in Lund, Sweden. 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 or ESS intranet. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply through the intranet.

The deadline for applications is 30th April 2020.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process in general, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process. 

For further information regarding the position, please contact the recruiting manager, Group Leader for Protection Systems, Annika Nordt, Annika.Nordt[at]esss.se. 

For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Officer Tina Nilsson, tina.nilsson[at]esss.se

For trade union information please contact Unionen / Conny Wendt at +46 46 888 34 63 or SACO / Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers/ Riccardo Bevilacqua at +46 46 888 32 28.

We look forward to receiving your application!