Controls System Engineer

System Design And Implementation For An In-House X-ray Beamline

System design and implementation for an in-house X-ray beamline for long-term operando investigation of chemical hydrogen storage reactors

Modeling and simulation of the beamline to analyze and optimize system behavior before physical implementation

Development of algorithms and control software for full automation of long-term and high-throughput operando experiments

Implementation, operation, and optimization of SPS- and PLC-based control systems for experimental equipment and beamline instrumentation

Integration of hardware and software interfaces (motors, detectors, sensors, sample environments) into a unified control system

Testing, troubleshooting, and ensuring reliability of automated beamline operations under extended deployment conditions

Design and implementation of data acquisition workflows to ensure reliable storage, transfer, and handling of large experimental datasets in real time

Development of online analysis and monitoring tools to provide rapid feedback during experiments, enabling automated decision-making and system optimization

Close collaboration with synchrotron groups and in-house scientists for design, commissioning, and operation of experiments

Collaboration with the INW-1 machine learning team on data handling, online analysis, and design of experiments (DoE) to enable efficient and automated evaluation of operando experiments

Collaboration with other groups, in particular at INW and Forschungszentrum Jülich

Participation in extended visits to synchrotron facilities (DESY, ESRF, or similar large-scale research facilities)

Support in establishing the institute’s research infrastructure and laboratory operations

Your profile:

Bachelor or Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, control systems engineering, mechatronics, or a related discipline

A doctoral degree would be considered an advantage, but candidates with strong practical experience are equally encouraged to apply

Solid knowledge and hands-on experience with SPS/PLC systems, automation, and control engineering

Experience in control and instrumentation of large-scale facilities, ideally synchrotron/FEL/neutron instrumentation or comparable complex systems

Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus, Profibus, EtherCAT)

Experience with programming and scripting languages (ideally Python, C/C++, or similar) for system integration and automation

Knowledge of data acquisition and experimental control frameworks (EPICS, Tango, or similar)

Fluent in written and spoken English

Very independent and self-motivated way of working but also excellent teamwork skills

High motivation to take on responsibility, ensure system reliability, and develop own research ideas

Willingness for regular business trips and extended stays at partner facilities

Our offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 10-11 or 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. The monthly salaries in euros can be found here: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed.entgelt

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Benefit from attractive additional services such as a company pension scheme with employer contribution. In addition to your basic salary, you will receive an annual bonus and capital-forming benefits

PERSPECTIVE: After a two-year fixed-term contract, our goal is to hire you on a permanent basis. Let’s use this time to find out how well we fit together

ANNUAL LEAVE: You will receive 30 days of annual leave plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year’s Day)

WORK-LIFE-BALANCE: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. Flexible working arrangements (including remote working) are generally possible upon agreement and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments

FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time, allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs. For more information, visit: https://go.fzj.de/near-full-time

KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Your development is important to us – we provide targeted and individual support

SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

Place of employment: Brainergy Park Jülich

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us. Further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality