Safety Controls Engineer

The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and being built from the ground up.
 
Come and shape the future of science with us.
About the role:
The ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we now need a Safety Controls Engineer to join our Protection Systems Group.
In this critical role, you will act as System Coordinator for the Safety Systems for Active Cells, Casks, and Insert Exchange Tool System. This means that you will be the main contact person for questions/issues related to the dedicated safety systems. In addition, you will also capture requirements, needs and plans related to system life cycle management, drive and coordinate development activities throughout all design, verification, operational, and maintenance phases with allocated resources and relevant stakeholders, resolve technical issues and coordinate the development of the documentation for the systems.
Other tasks within this role will include leading the activities for seamless integration of designated Personnel Safety Systems (PSSs) into interfacing systems and parent system operation, providing support during test phases, and ensuring safety functions for the dedicated PSSs are derived consistently from risk assessment documents. You will also make sure that all relevant functional requirements are captured consistently.
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for a period of 3 years is based primarily "on-site" at the brand-new https://youtu.be/d5h4bIEfM5Q?si=W28A9wLAkYK3HOXJ.
About you:
For this role, we are looking for a Safety Controls Engineer who understands that safety is fundamental to operations, not simply an afterthought. We need someone who is motivated by responsibility, comfortable working in complex technical environments, and who is eager to take ownership of systems that protect people, equipment, and the entire ESS facility.
You must have proven experience in engineering design and system coordination, with a track record of delivering solutions that comply with applicable standards, regulations, and formal safety requirements. You must be able to work across the full system lifecycle - from capturing requirements, driving design activities, coordinating verification to supporting operation and maintenance - all while ensuring that safety functions are clearly defined, consistently implemented, and thoroughly documented.
We need someone who is confident acting as a technical focal point for safety systems. You must be able to coordinate work across multiple stakeholders, communicate clearly with engineers, operators, safety specialists, and external partners, and resolve technical issues in a structured and pragmatic way. Experience with personnel safety systems, particularly their interfaces with equipment in accelerator or other large‑scale research facilities, is a strong advantage.
ESS is moving from construction into operations, and so we need someone who is comfortable in an environment where ways of working are still evolving. You must be able to follow established procedures, but also contribute to developing and improving them. A structured, methodical working style, strong attention to detail, and an uncompromising commitment to safety are essential.
Just as important as your technical skills is your mindset. We are looking for a collaborative, approachable team player with excellent communication skills and the confidence to engage across disciplines. You must be proactive, hands‑on when needed, and committed to building a strong safety culture within a pioneering scientific organisation.
Fluency in English is required, as this the working language of ESS. The availability to start as soon as possible would be an advantage.
To apply:
A career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.
If you see yourself in what we're looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on "apply" and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-70302 in your application.
This role might require additional background screening processes and/or additional health and safety checks. If so, these will be performed during the recruitment process.
For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Daniel Nordin Baker on mailto:daniel.nordin@ess.eu
For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nerusha Naicker on mailto:erusha.Naicker@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at mailto:marc.kickulies@ess.eu