Mechanical Engineer for the CMS High Granularity Calorimeter

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution established in 195

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization operates in 23 member states and has a mission to explore the fundamental structure of the universe through advanced scientific instruments and experiments. CERN's commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to its success, fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Job Overview:
As a Mechanical Engineer at CERN, you will play a crucial role in the development, procurement, assembly, testing, and installation of innovative mechanical structures for the High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. This position involves working with advanced materials and addressing challenging structural and thermal requirements. You will oversee the surface assembly and testing of a 250-tonne detector, which includes managing its CO2 cooling, dry gas, cabling, and fiber services, as well as its installation and commissioning 100 meters underground. Collaborating within a multinational and multidisciplinary team, you will apply your expertise in structural and thermal calculations, finite element analysis, and 3D CAD to ensure the successful execution of these complex tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include coordinating a team of technicians to assemble and test the steel structures of HGCAL, which consist of over 200 tonnes of steel plates per endcap. You will provide engineering support for all activities related to the large-scale active detector components, known as 'cassettes', which are segments of circular structures with diameters of up to 5 meters. This includes cold testing of electromagnetic cassettes and their subsequent stacking with lead plates to form complete electromagnetic endcaps. You will also integrate hadronic cassettes into the steel structures and support their testing, as well as integrate the electromagnetic and hadronic sections, including their cabling and piping, and assist with large-scale testing on the surface. Additionally, you will help oversee the lowering of the HGCAL endcaps into the CMS cavern and their connection to CMS, including the connection and testing of services.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. You should have a strong track record in planning and coordinating the handling, assembling, and testing of large mechanical structures. Demonstrated experience in performing thermal and structural calculations of complex mechanical structures using finite element analysis is essential. You should also have experience in developing mechanical assemblies using 3D CAD, and the ability to work successfully and efficiently within multinational, multicultural teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians is highly advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. A solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, along with specialized knowledge in areas such as structural analysis and thermal dynamics, is crucial for success in this role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in the mechanical engineering field, particularly in planning, coordinating, and executing the assembly and testing of large mechanical structures. A proven ability to perform complex thermal and structural calculations using finite element analysis is required, along with experience in developing mechanical assemblies through 3D CAD software. Familiarity with the assembly and integration of detectors and mechanical structures is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as it is the working language at CERN. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for communication within the organization and the local community.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 4 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the role requires full onsite presence. The position involves work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, necessitating a valid driving license. Candidates may be required to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed by the organization. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is EP-CMS-EC-2026-190-LD. CERN offers a competitive salary that is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.