Power Electronics Engineer

Context & Job Description

The Power Supplies Group (PSG) plays a central role in the performance of the ESRF accelerator complex. It oversees the entire lifecycle—design, construction, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance—of more than 2,000 power converters supplying the EBS magnets, as well as the High Quality Power Supply (HQPS) protection system that safeguards the whole accelerator.

Your mission

As a Power Electronics Engineer within PSG, you will take an active role in enhancing the performance and reliability of the power supplies that drive the accelerator’s electromagnets. You will also contribute to the smooth day‑to‑day operation by supporting maintenance and troubleshooting activities. Working hand‑in‑hand with the Group Head, you will help steer upgrade programs and continuous improvement initiatives across all PSG equipment.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Lead the evaluation and modernization of ramped power supplies (4 Hz), handling up to 1 500 V / 1 500 A for the ESRF injector, with a focus on boosting performance, robustness, and tackling obsolescence
• Contribute to the development and deployment of the COLD (Cold Copper Operation Linac Demonstrator) project
• Drive reliability improvements by identifying root causes of failures and implementing hardware and/or software design enhancements
• Ensure operation, maintenance, and long‑term performance of PSG systems
• Support accelerator operations, including participation in periodic on‑call duty

For more information, feel free to contact Philippe Falaise (+33 (0) 76 88 25 33, ).

Expected profile

Education

Master’s degree (or equivalent, 300 ECTS) in electrical engineering or a closely related field.

Technical expertise

• At least two years of relevant professional experience in power electronics or a similar domain.
• Strong knowledge in power electronics, electromagnetic fields, high‑power semiconductor devices, and ramped power systems. Comfortable working with AC/DC and DC/DC converters, including those used in accelerator environments.
• Hands‑on experience in modelling electrical circuits and simulating power converters using tools such as PLECS and MATLAB Simulink.

Additional Strengths Include

• Solid understanding of digital signal processing (DSP) and digital control
• Familiarity with version control tools like Git
• Knowledge of electrical grid system
• Knowledge in electromechanical (rotating machines as accumulators, alternators) will be an asset.

Soft Skills

You are proactive, solution‑oriented, and highly motivated. You enjoy working both autonomously and collaboratively within a team.

Language

Fluent in English, the working language at the ESRF.

Working conditions

Full‑time permanent contract. Part of your work will be done in shifts, following ESRF regulations. The salary will be calculated on the basis of relevant qualifications and professional experience.

What We Offer

• Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
• Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
• Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022
• Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
• Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to “What we offer” section of our Careers page

Company Description

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France. Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X‑ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 19 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.