International Welding Engineer (IWE)

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. With over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe, CERN operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. The organization is dedicated to probing the fundamental structure of the universe and employs a diverse workforce to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The position of International Welding Engineer (IWE) is situated within the Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) Group at CERN, specifically in the Forming & Welding Section (MME-FW). This role is crucial for providing advanced technical expertise in welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) to support complex interventions scheduled in the underground areas of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and its associated experiments. The selected candidate will be involved in preparing welding activities for the Long Shutdown 3 (LS3), which is expected to begin at the end of 2026 and continue until 202

• This position is part of the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) and Experiments Upgrade program, aimed at significantly enhancing the collider's performance. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure compliance with specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements during welding operations, as well as contributing to the training and qualification of welders involved in these underground operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the International Welding Engineer (IWE) include preparing welding activities for the LS3 underground interventions, which involves reviewing and updating existing welding procedures, drafting new procedures, and conducting welding qualifications with notified bodies. The engineer will also support non-destructive testing (NDT) activities by reviewing and improving existing procedures and drafting new ones as necessary. Additionally, the IWE will monitor and follow up on welding activities underground during LS3 to ensure adherence to specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements. The role also includes overseeing the fabrication of complex components in CERN's main workshop, participating in the quality control of welds, and ensuring full traceability of welding activities through proper documentation and management of welding books.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess significant practical experience in welding engineering, with in-depth knowledge of welding standards and codes. A good understanding of destructive and non-destructive testing for weld inspection and qualifications is essential, along with proven experience in Radiography Testing, Visual Testing, and Metallographic Weld Inspection. Familiarity with quality management and the application of quality control standards in mechanical production, particularly in welding, NDT, and metrology, is required. Experience in drafting and implementing quality assurance documentation is also necessary. Familiarity with mechanical fabrication in domains such as pressure vessels, vacuum chambers, and cryogenics is considered an asset. Initial experience in mechanical components assembly and a good understanding of fabrication techniques as they apply to the design process are also important.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Mechanical or Materials Engineering or a related field. Candidates should hold either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. Additionally, an International Welding Engineer (IWE) diploma is mandatory for this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have significant practical experience in welding engineering, which includes a deep understanding of welding standards and codes, as well as experience in non-destructive testing methods. The ideal candidate will have a background that demonstrates their ability to manage complex welding operations and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is required, with a commitment to learn the other language. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the diverse workforce at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the position is fully onsite. The target start date for this role is February 1, 202

• The position may involve work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, requiring a valid driving license. Candidates should be prepared to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed by the organization. The job reference for this position is EN-MME-FW-2025-182-GRAP, and the field of work is Mechanical Engineering. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances.