Power Electronics Engineer for High-Power Converters

Company Description
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.
Job Description
Introduction

Are you willing to become a key player in high-power systems? Join CERN's Electrical Power Converter Group (EPC) and leave your mark on the development and operation of the electrical systems for CERN's particle accelerators. Take part!

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

The Electrical Power Converter Group (EPC) in the Systems Department (SY) is responsible for the electrical power systems for the entire CERN accelerator complex.

You will join the High-Power Converter Section, responsible for the high-power systems in the range between 1 MW and 150 MW.

Functions

As a Power Electronics Engineer, you will participate in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of high-power converters that supply the accelerators' magnets. In addition, you will take part in the EPC group R&D activities for the studies of new powering concepts for future accelerators. In this context, you will:

-Contribute to the design studies for the upgrade of an IGBT-based 60 MW power converter with integrated energy storage. The upgrade includes the design, installation and commissioning of additional power electronics hardware and the development of a new control system;
-Take part in the R&D activities related to the conceptual design for the powering of CERN's next generation of particle accelerators;
-Prepare technical specifications, follow-up the procurement and manage the supply contracts for different electrical components;
-Organize and carry out qualification tests of different electric/electronics devices at CERN or in external laboratories;
-Supervise contractor's activities working at CERN, for the installation of electric equipment (cables, magnetic components etc.) in the frame of the realisation of the power converter upgrade;
-Participate in fault finding and corrective interventions.

Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electrical engineering or power electronics or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience in the following:

-Design and modelling of power electronics in the power level above 100 kW;
-Application of various type of semiconductor switches (IGBTs, Thyristors, Diode, plastic case, press-pack) and the commonly used driving techniques;
-Implementation and testing of different control techniques (PID, RST type controller) and of related pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques.

Desired experience in the following:

-Management of projects, from the technical specification to the commissioning and final documentation;
-Installation, commissioning, operation or maintenance of electrical power equipment.

Technical competencies:

-Knowledge and application of power electronics techniques;
-Design and modelling of power electronic components and systems: power converter topologies, IGBT-Diode-Thyristor modules or Presspacks, system analysis, integration;
-Design and implementation of digital control systems: : MATLAB SIMULINK or equivalent;
-Construction, test and installation of power electronic components and systems;
-Operation and maintenance of power electronic components and systems.

Behavioural competencies:

-Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
-Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
-Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
-Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
-Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.

Language skills:

-Spoken and written English: ability to understand and speak in professional contexts as well as the ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations.
-Basic knowledge of French language would be an asset or an undertaking to acquire it rapidly.

Additional Information
Eligibility and closing date:

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. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 12 midday on 01.11.2022.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

-Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
-Work in Radiation Areas.
-Interventions in underground installations.
-A valid driving licence.