CERN Position: Electrical Design Engineer (EN-EL-DDO-2025-258-GRAP)

Location: Geneva, ch

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. Joining the Electrical Design and Documentation Office (EN-EL-DDO), you will take on an electrical designer role under the support of senior design managers to work on strategic projects of CERN, namely the electrical renovation project of the AWAKE accelerator and electrical substation consolidation projects and small electrical studies. 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 have the foundational knowledge required to:

• Design electrical distribution circuits;
• Prepare calculation notes, lighting studies and earthing studies;
• Prepare the respective design drawings related to single line diagrams;
• Prepare bills of material for electrical-related equipment.

More information here.

Your profile

Experience:

• Proven hands on experience in the design of low voltage distribution networks (LV calculation notes, equipment dimensioning, selectivity studies and protection);
• Experience with low voltage design calculation tools (ElecCalc, Caneco or similar software);

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;
• Proficient in AutoCAD or similar.

Beneficial skills/or knowledge:

• Proficient with DIALux (designing building and outdoor lighting systems);
• Skilled in creating secondary electrical designs with E-PLAN or comparable software;
• Experienced in designing medium-voltage electrical distribution networks;
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

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: 05.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-March-2026

This position involves:

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

Job reference: EN-EL-DDO-2025-258-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark job: 200030 – Electrical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6287-6911 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.

Overview of CERN – Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern

Level of Education: Master Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24