Job Description

Your responsibilities

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes forward the limits of technology to provide innovative research tools to the physics and engineering worldwide community. The position is in the Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) Group, which owns, maintains and develops the 40 years old “know-how” on the mechanical design, manufacturing and assembly of accelerator and detector devices.

As a Mechanical Technician in the Forming & Welding (FW) section, you will be part of a skilled team of technicians and engineers specializing in Electron Beam and Laser welding processes. If you are organized, self-motivated, and capable of working independently, this could be the position for you. A keen interest in learning about unconventional manufacturing processes and their applications in particle physics would be highly valued.

After an initial training period, and with the support of experienced colleagues, you will:

• Personally perform welding operations on different state-of-the art CNC Electron/Laser Beam Welding machines, for the fabrication of highly technical prototypes and components of accelerators and related experimental facilities;
• Optimise the welding parameters to meet stringent specifications related to Cryogenic, Ultra High Vacuum and Radiofrequency applications;
• Design jigs and fixtures for welding activities, in collaboration with the Design Office;
• Participate in multidisciplinary projects, maintain close co-operation with the other Engineering Facilities CERN-wide;
• Prepare technical reports (WPS’s, assembly procedures, etc.) and presentations when required.

Your profile

Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge/hands-on experience working with CNC machines for high precision applications;
• Knowledge/experience in the use of CAD / CAM software, including ISO G-code;
• Ability to read and draft technical drawings using ISO tolerancing (dimensional and geometrical product specification standards).

Advantageous Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge/experience in Electron Beam Welding or Laser Beam Welding technologies;
• Knowledge of welding metallurgy;
• Practical experience in assembling high-precision mechanical components with attention to detail;
• Understanding of main international standards related to beam welding;
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Mechanical / Material Engineering (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 21.04.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-July-2025

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.
• Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction.
• Use of certain mobile work equipment or equipment used for lifting loads (lifting equipment, bridge cranes, aerial work platforms, etc.) requiring a driving authorization.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: EN-MME-FW-2025-53-GRAE

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

What we offer

• A monthly stipend of 4624 Swiss Francs (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.