Mechanical Engineer

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

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structure of the universe through advanced research and technology, and it operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, with its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Job Overview:
The Mechanical Engineer position at CERN is a unique opportunity for a self-driven individual with strong analytical, design, and integration skills. The successful candidate will join the CERN Experimental Physics Department (EP) and work within the CMS Experiment Systems Group (CMX) Safety, Coordination and Integration (SCI) section. This role is pivotal in defining the installation methodology for the new CMS High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) during the LHC’s third long shutdown (LS3). The engineer will be responsible for developing detailed mechanical procedures, defining specific tooling, and performing simulations to ensure the correct positioning of the calorimeter relative to the CMS endcap structures. The position also involves significant collaboration with various teams and managing the removal of existing calorimeter systems, which weighs over 250 tonnes, ensuring their safe transport and storage.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Mechanical Engineer include modeling and simulating mechanical movements, tooling interfaces, and integration constraints to anticipate all installation phases. The engineer will define and document the detailed installation methodology for the CMS HGCAL detector within the CMS endcap structure. They will design and specify dedicated tooling and handling systems as necessary, define technical specifications, and oversee the procurement of mechanical interface components. Additionally, the engineer will validate the nominal detector position, define mechanical tolerances, and establish reference systems relative to the YE structure. They will interface with the Survey team to define the survey strategy and contribute to the follow-up of the heavy lifting contract, including documentation validation and supervision of manufacturing activities and site operations in collaboration with contractors and CERN technical teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. They should have demonstrated experience in mechanical design, integration, and installation of large-scale assemblies using CAD software, particularly CATIA. A proven ability to perform detailed complex mechanical simulations using FEA software, such as ANSYS, is essential. Strong organizational skills, project management capabilities, and experience in tooling design for handling or positioning heavy and delicate components are also required. Technical competencies should include design and analysis of mechanical structures, integration of mechanical systems, knowledge of design codes, compliance verification of mechanical equipment, and proficiency in producing 2D drawings and 3D models.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field. Candidates with equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. A strong foundation in mechanical design principles, CAD software proficiency, and familiarity with engineering standards and practices is essential for success in this role.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in mechanical design, integration, and installation of large-scale assemblies. Candidates should have a solid background in using CAD software, particularly CATIA, and experience in performing detailed mechanical simulations using FEA software such as ANSYS. Project management experience, including scheduling, supplier management, and reporting, is also necessary. Additionally, experience in tooling design for handling or positioning heavy and delicate components is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learning French considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration within the diverse workforce at CERN.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for three years, with the possibility of applying for an indefinite position subject to certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job is fully onsite, requiring work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations. A valid driving license is also necessary for this role. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the job reference is EP-CMX-SCI-2025-249-LD, with a benchmark job title of Mechanical Engineer.