Mechanical Engineer

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 a mission to probe the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, and is known for its cutting-edge research in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study fundamental particles and their interactions.

Job Overview:
The Mechanical Engineer position at CERN is focused on the Cryostat and Machine Integration (CMI) Section, where the successful candidate will engage in the design and construction of cryostats for superconducting accelerator devices. This role is pivotal in the High-Luminosity LHC project, where the engineer will be involved in the fabrication and preparation of new magnet cryo-assemblies for installation in CERN's underground galleries. The position requires a strong mechanical engineering background, particularly in vacuum, cryogenics, and electro-mechanical systems, and emphasizes hands-on engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of large-scale scientific infrastructure. The engineer will manage component supply, coordinate procurement activities, develop assembly procedures, and ensure compliance with engineering codes and standards, all while supporting technicians and quality assurance teams during on-site assembly.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Mechanical Engineer include managing the supply of components throughout the project, which involves assessing needs, adapting to changes in scope and schedule, and maintaining comprehensive component lists and technical documentation. The engineer will coordinate procurement activities across multiple suppliers, addressing any disruptions, delays, or non-conformities in collaboration with the work package engineer. Additionally, the role entails developing assembly procedures, inspection plans, bills of materials (BoMs), and tracking documentation for various cryostat variants during the LHC Long Shutdown 3 (LS3). The engineer will also review and update engineering documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness for all cryostat configurations, support technicians and quality assurance teams during on-site assembly, and assist in resolving technical issues. Documenting process changes and lessons learned to support continuous improvement is also a key responsibility. Furthermore, the engineer will interface with other project teams to coordinate their activities with the cryostat assembly workflow and perform thermo-mechanical analyses using analytical and numerical methods, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to enhance cryostat performance and resolve technical challenges. Compliance with relevant engineering codes and standards, such as EN-13455 and EN-13458, and adherence to CERN's safety and quality procedures are essential aspects of this role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and possess a professional background in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. The qualifications include 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, candidates must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Familiarity with CAD software, FEA tools, and technical documentation practices is essential, along with proficiency in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and solid mechanics. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing technical challenges are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or a PhD in the same area. The degree should be complemented by relevant professional experience, which varies based on the level of education. For Master's degree holders, 2 to 6 years of post-graduation experience is expected, while PhD holders should have no more than 3 years of relevant experience.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years of post-graduation professional experience for candidates with a Master's degree. For those with a PhD, no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience is required. This experience should be in mechanical engineering or a closely related field, with a focus on hands-on engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of large-scale scientific infrastructure.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as both spoken and written proficiency is required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered a good to have language for this role, given the international environment 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 job is fully onsite. The target start date for this position is April 1, 202

• The role may involve interventions in underground installations, and candidates must possess a valid driving license. There may also be requirements to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is TE-MSC-CMI-2025-196-GRAP, and it falls under the field of Mechanical Engineering, benchmark job 200090 - Mechanical Engineer. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year, and there are opportunities for on-the-job and formal training at CERN, as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.