Configuration Manager

Configuration Manager

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

October 8, 2025November 22, 2025GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. Founded in 1954, CERN employs thousands of physicists and engineers who work collaboratively to explore the basic constituents of matter using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments. The organization operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, and is known for its groundbreaking research in particle physics, contributing significantly to our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Overview:
As the Configuration Manager within the Engineering department at CERN, you will play a crucial role in the management of configuration and layout for the Future Circular Collider (FCC) Study. Your responsibilities will include developing and implementing configuration management strategies tailored for unique accelerator projects. You will work closely with various stakeholders to identify configuration items and establish coherent hardware baseline structures within the Engineering & Equipment Data Management System (EDMS). Your role will also involve defining and managing engineering change processes, ensuring that technical documentation is maintained throughout the lifecycle of the equipment and systems. You will be expected to handle conceptual layouts and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive digital mock-ups, ensuring quality and coherence in all configurations and layouts. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards in configuration management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement configuration management strategies and policies for unique accelerators.
  • Identify configuration items in collaboration with work package holders and equipment owners.
  • Establish coherent hardware baseline structures in the Engineering & Equipment Data Management System (EDMS) and monitor deviations between baseline versions.
  • Define and implement engineering change management and control processes.
  • Maintain and update technical documentation of equipment and systems throughout their lifecycle.
  • Define naming conventions for equipment types, engineering drawings, physical equipment, layout components, electrical circuits, and racks.
  • Ensure registration and maintenance of codes, ensuring compliance with naming conventions using CERN tools.
  • Maintain and update configuration management processes and related documentation.
  • Handle conceptual beamlines layouts of CERN accelerators and transfer lines in the CERN Layout Database. 1
  • Define and manage conceptual layout drawings, ensuring quality and coherence according to evolving studies. 1
  • Collaborate closely with the CERN Quality Assurance unit. 1
  • Report and present configuration and layout activities in various forums including committees, meetings, and workshops. 1
  • Oversee and coordinate the development of a comprehensive digital mock-up in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have demonstrated experience in configuration management and project management, particularly in defining and handling configuration items and change management processes. Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools for CAD documents, such as Dassault Systèmes or Smarteam, is essential. Proficiency in SQL for data querying and manipulation is required, along with experience in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Java. A proven project in programming in one of these languages is necessary, and knowledge of accelerator components will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex engineering principles and practices relevant to the role of Configuration Manager at CERN.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in configuration management and project management, particularly in defining and handling configuration items and change management processes. Experience with PLM tools for CAD documents and proficiency in SQL for data manipulation are also required. Additionally, candidates should have practical experience in programming with languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Java, with a proven project demonstrating their capabilities in these areas.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates must demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility for holders of limited-duration contracts to apply for an indefinite position under certain conditions. The role requires a commitment of 40 hours per week and involves work in radiation areas and underground installations. A valid driving license is necessary, and candidates must be prepared for exposure to electromagnetic fields under specific conditions. Due to the occupational health risks associated with this position, selected candidates must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The job grade for this position is classified as 6-7.
Similar Jobs