Controls Software Developer (BE-RF-CS-2018-53-LD)

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 a software developer with a feeling for hardware? Do you want to participate in the control of the high-power RF acceleration systems of the CERN accelerators and of the associated feedback systems, being developed, using the latest digital technology? CERN, take part!

You will join:

• The Beams (BE) Department, which is responsible not only for the operation of all of CERN's accelerators, but also for a number of the specialised technologies and disciplines required for the design, construction and operation of particle accelerators;
• The Radio Frequency (RF) Group, in the BE Department, which is responsible for RF technology and the operation of the RF acceleration and transverse damping systems in all the CERN accelerators. A significant part of the RF Group's activity is dedicated to accelerator upgrades and new projects;
• The Servos & Controls Interface Section, in the RF Group, which is a cross-disciplinary team that provides expertise in all aspects of digital control of the RF systems, including hardware design with programmable logic, digital signal processing, process control with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), real-time control using VMEbus and PC front-end computers, and application software running on operator consoles.

Functions

As a Controls Software Developer in the Servos & Controls Interface Section, you will be working at the interface between hardware developers and the controls and operations teams. You will more specifically:

• Develop, test and implement: 

- Real-time control software for digital beam control and feedback systems being developed for new  projects across the CERN accelerator complex, in C++ using the CERN Front End Software Architecture (FESA) framework, running on VME, MicroTCA and industrial PC systems under Linux;

- FESA supervision software for the PLCs controlling the high-power RF systems;

- User interfaces for commissioning, surveillance and expert interventions on the RF accelerator equipment.

• Work with hardware developers in the RF Group's Feedback Section to provide tools for efficient firmware and software development;
• Collaborate with the Controls (CO) and Operations (OP) Groups in the integration of RF equipment into the accelerator control system and the CERN LSA (LHC Software for Applications) operational software environment;
• Contribute to the first-line support provided by the group for the operation of the accelerators.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computing, computer science, software engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience with C++.
• Experience in the field of the design of real-time, embedded Linux systems would be an advantage.
• Experience in Java or Python would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages.
• Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS.
• Installation, maintenance & operation of Control systems.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Solving problems: finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available.
• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: thinking "out of the box" and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies; keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English or French: ability to draw up technical texts in one of the two languages. Ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts 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. (https://careers.cern/content/member-states)

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 26.07.2018

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 is required.

Job grade: 4-5

Job reference: BE-RF-CS-2018-53-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Technical Engineer

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further