RF engineer/physicist
- Development of and participation in MINERVA RF cavity and component test plans at external laboratories involving both normal-conducting RF and superconducting RF accelerator technologies
- Hands-on contribution to the testing of MINERVA RF injector cavities and components at SCK CEN in Mol
- Providing numerical RF simulations to enhance the knowledge of RF device functionalities under nominal operational conditions
- Analyzing and summarizing results in high-quality technical reports
- Working in a challenging, multidisciplinary and international environment
- Doctorate in electrical engineering, physics or equivalent
- Permanent contract
Join our R&D program supporting the engineering, procurement, construction, and operation of the MINERVA proton accelerator, the first phase of the MYRRHA project!
SCK CEN works actively on the design and construction of the first phase (MINERVA) of a new multi-purpose research plant MYRRHA: a versatile and unique research infrastructure. It is a research reactor driven by a proton accelerator.
For the R&D program supporting the design of the proton linear accelerator of the MYRRHA project, we are looking for an RF engineer or physicist.
You will build upon our in-house knowledge and support our research engineers in developing and testing RF technologies with focus on the low-power and high-power characterization of accelerating cavities and their components. You will interface with researchers and technicians, in the realization and operation of experimental facilities related to the RF accelerator technology, concerning both normal conducting and superconducting RF cavities and their components.
To help us achieve this goal, your tasks include:
- Participate in the development efforts related to all RF aspects in the proton accelerator including quality assurance/control activities
- Contribute to and conduct commissioning and site acceptance tests of RF cavities and their components at SCK CEN facilities and external collaborating sites
- Once applicable, contribute to the installation, commissioning/conditioning of all cavities and later support beam operation with RF-expertise
- Simulate RF cavities and components with state-of-the-art numerical codes to support experimental findings
- Perform hands-on tests, generate, analyze, and document experimental data
- Contribute to the near-term buildout of the test site at SCK CEN meant for hands-on RF accelerator technology activities
- Support the high power RF solid state amplifier activities collaborating with experts
- Specifically; coordinate and survey experimental tests with focus on quality control during the high-power RF conditioning of the fundamental RF power couplers for the MINERVA superconducting RF cavities
- Specifically; support the R&D efforts for the mechanical tuners of the MINERVA superconducting RF cavities during contract follow up incl. site acceptance tests
- Document technical/scientific results
- Interact with research engineers and technical support teams at SCK CEN and at other research institutes and universities
- Safely operate all electrical equipment
To join this frontier, you'll need
- Profound knowledge of RF accelerating cavities, their sub-systems and their experimental characterization covering both normal-conducting and superconducting RF technologies
- Good understanding of the engineering design, development, and experimental tests of accelerating RF cavities and their auxiliary components at high and low RF power levels
- Profound knowledge in using state-of-the-art numerical RF simulation codes for accelerating cavities and components
- Experience in mechanical and multi-physics simulations is a plus
- Experience in contract follow up is a plus
- At least 5 years experience with RF accelerator technology
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently
- Fluent in English, both for daily communications and for internal and external reporting
- Flexible and open to work in an international environment, in collaboration with other teams at SCK CEN, with other research institutes and universities and within European and international research programs
- A doctorate degree in physics, electrical engineering or equivalent
Deadline