Automation Engineer
Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) · Grenoble · Tills vidare · Deadline 2026-11-21
Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, is seeking an **Automation Engineer** for a **specified-purpose fixed-term position** within the Services for Advanced Neutron Environments (SANE). The role focuses on modernising and improving sample environment controllers used on neutron beams. Primary responsibilities involve the PLC and HMI programming and commissioning of power supply panels for high-temperature furnaces, 2000-bar helium pressure generators, and cryostat test benches. The engineer will also investigate how machine learning can be applied to control systems and predictive maintenance. Home working is available under certain conditions. Candidates must hold a **Level 7 qualification** (Master's degree or equivalent) in Automation Engineering alongside several years of experience with EXOR human-machine interface and Schneider PLC development tools. Applicants need strong analytical capabilities, collaborative teamwork skills, and an interest in taking part across all project phases from design to commissioning. Selection is subject to administrative screening and background checks, and the post requires medical fitness, specifically including fitness for work under ionising radiation.
Core mission:
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe's leading research facility for scientific research using neutrons. Every year, we host over 2000 visits by scientists, who come to the Institute to carry out world-class research.
The ILL's Services for Advanced Neutron Environments (SANE) is responsible for the development, maintenance and user support of neutron instruments. In order to maintain our leadership position and ensure a high standard of service, we wish to modernise and improve the sample environment controllers used on the neutron beams.
Your tasks:
You will join the team of the Services for Advanced Neutron Environments and will contribute to the development and commissioning of new controllers:
- PLC and HMI programming and commissioning of:
- power supply panels for 1100°C and 1600°C furnaces
- 2000-bar helium pressure generators
- cryostat test benches
- Investigation of the application of machine learning to control systems and predictive maintenance.
Your profile:
- You hold a Level 7 qualification (Master's degree or equivalent) in Automation Engineering, with several years' experience using human-machine interface (EXOR) and PLC (Schneider) development tools.
- You are passionate about systems automation, are keen to work in a multicultural environment, and enjoy tackling technical challenges.
- You are a strong team player and have good analytical skills.
- You are keen to be involved in every stage of a project, from the design phase through to commissioning.
What we offer:
Quality of life - This position is based in Grenoble, a hub for research and technology, ideally located in the heart of the French Alps (just 3 hours from Paris/Provence by train, 1 hour from Lyon international airport and 1 ½ hours from Geneva). It is important for us that our staff achieve a healthy work-life balance. We therefore offer home working (under certain conditions), generous annual paid leave entitlement and a host of other benefits that you will discover when you arrive!
Prospects - We guarantee you a secure 'specified-purpose' fixed-term position based in Grenoble in a multicultural scientific environment.
Benefits - We offer generous social benefits (expatriation allowance, excellent health cover), moving and relocation assistance (under certain conditions) and an annual productivity bonus. We also offer language courses for you and your partner and subsidies for the use of public transport and the staff canteen, as well as for holidays and a variety of cultural and sports activities. For more information, please visit https://www.ill.eu/careers/working-at-the-ill/employment-conditions.
Sounds interesting?
Then why not take your next career step with us by applying online - preferably in English - via our career portal, quoting reference number 26/49.
Please note that all applicants are subject to administrative screening (background checks). For this post, medical fitness, including for work under ionising radiation, is required. We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe's leading research
facility for fundamental research using neutrons. United by our passion for progress and
technology, we drive science and research forward every day. Together, we can pave the way
for discoveries that will help to make our world a better place.