Hazardous Material Decontamination 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 uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs a diverse workforce of physicists, engineers, and technical professionals who collaborate on groundbreaking projects. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its innovative approach to research, utilizing the world's largest scientific instruments to study fundamental particles. CERN's commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to its success, fostering an environment where every contribution is valued and innovation thrives.

Job Overview:
The Hazardous Material Decontamination Engineer will play a crucial role in managing hazardous materials decontamination activities and civil engineering projects across CERN's facilities. This position requires a blend of technical coordination and hands-on involvement, ensuring that all operations are conducted safely and in compliance with regulations. The engineer will be responsible for the preparation, coordination, and follow-up of interventions, working closely with various stakeholders including engineers, technicians, and contractors. The role involves both planning and executing construction and renovation projects, ensuring that safety and environmental standards are met while promoting a strong safety culture on work sites. The engineer will also serve as the referent for pollutant-related works, managing contracts and overseeing budgets, quality, and schedules.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the referent for pollutant-related works within the SCE-SAM group, managing hazardous materials decontamination activities at CERN.
• Serve as contract manager for hazardous substances decontamination frame contracts, overseeing budget, quality, schedule, and safety, and managing financial variations, claims, and settlements with contractors.
• Manage project design steps including preliminary, concept design, developed project design, building permit, technical specifications, and relevant documentation for tenders and execution design in collaboration with internal CERN entities and appointed consultants and contractors.
• Plan and manage the execution of construction and renovation projects, coordinating various trades and utilizing service and frame contracts.
• Chair site and coordination meetings, monitoring cost, quality, schedule, and safety until final acceptance.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental rules and promote a strong safety culture on work sites.
• Report on and document activities on a regular basis.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Certification as a pollutant removal specialist, compliant with Swiss regulations and registered with SUVA.
• Ideally, a valid certification in 'SS3 Technical Management' in accordance with French regulations and labor code.
• Proven experience in the execution and/or supervision of hazardous substance decontamination works.
• Demonstrated civil engineering experience in the maintenance and operation of buildings or infrastructures.
• Experience in coordinating multi-technical trades across projects.
• Experience on large-scale sites in industrial and/or scientific environments is an asset.
• Proven experience in building construction or renovation projects is an asset.
• Experience in concrete and steel structure works is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. Additional certifications related to pollutant removal and technical management are highly desirable, particularly those compliant with Swiss and French regulations.

Experience:
Candidates should have proven experience in hazardous substance decontamination works, civil engineering, and project management. Experience in coordinating multi-technical trades and working on large-scale industrial or scientific sites is preferred. Familiarity with building construction and renovation projects, as well as concrete and steel structure works, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn English being a strong asset. Proficiency in English will enhance communication within the diverse CERN community.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 3 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The role requires full-time onsite work, with a 40-hour work week. Candidates must be prepared for work in radiation areas and underground installations, and may be required to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays. The position involves exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead, and candidates must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The job grade is 6-7, and the reference for this position is SCE-SAM-CE-2026-169-LD.