Automation Technician / Automation Technicianess

Join Our Team at the University of Bern

UniBE is ambitious. With us, you will deliver top performance and put your skills to the test alongside the best in the field.

Start Date

01.12.2026 or by arrangement

Employment Relationship

Fixed-term

Institution / Workplace

Space Research and Planetary Sciences

About Us

The Space Research and Planetology Division at the University of Bern is dedicated to researching the formation and evolution of our solar system. We develop and build highly specialized instruments for spacecraft, which carry out in situ measurements in locations such as the vicinity of Jupiter. Our team is internationally recognized for its achievements and collaborates in numerous space missions with prestigious organizations, including the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

In addition to our space-related activities, our Division actively participates in flagship projects for ground-based astronomy, such as the European 39-m Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). Recently, we were awarded funding to develop an adaptive optics (AO) system for the 80-cm telescope of the Zimmerwald Observatory, in collaboration with the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB) and EPFL. To meet these exciting challenges, we are seeking an experienced Automation Technician (Automatiker) HF/FH.

Position Details

The position is available starting soon or by negotiation, for an initial period of one year with the option of extension. Our salary range is determined in accordance with the personnel regulations of the Canton of Bern.

Tasks

Your primary focus will be on the hardware and software development of PLC systems, particularly in the context of an adaptive optics real-time system for a ground-based telescope. The position comprises the following tasks:

• Electrical concept and system definition, including the design of electrical schematics
• System and subsystem preparation, assembly, and cabling
• System and subsystem programming on PLC System (Beckhoff)
• Interface programming for testing and script development (Python)
• System and subsystem hardware integration, testing, verification, and validation
• Creating and maintaining the required documentation

Requirements

• A specialization as an Automation Technician (Automatiker) HF/FH or an equivalent engineering B.Sc.
• Experience in programming Beckhoff PLCs and developing test scripts using Python
• Experience in C/C++ software development is advantageous
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required; knowledge of German is a plus

Your Benefits

• International reputation
• Inspiring work environment
• Collaborative atmosphere with an ambitious team
• Central location in the heart of Bern

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also fosters an environment that promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.

Apply Online

To apply, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact

For questions about the position, please reach out to Sébastien Hayoz. For inquiries related to the application process, contact Tina Rothenbühler.