Company Description
At CERN, the European Organisation 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.
Job Description
Introduction
Our Engineering Department (EN) pushes back the limits of technology so that physicists can carry out their research. Within the Mechanical & Materials Engineering Group (MME) of EN you will be a sheet metal worker & welder technician taking part in the fabrication of components for particle accelerators and high-energy physics detectors.
You will join a team of professionals with specific experience developed through years, and your contribution will help maintain and develop this know-how, often developing prototypes, new designs and solutions. You will master an extensive range of sheet metal and welding equipment, technologies and processes for different materials.
Do you have a good theoretical and practical background and extensive experience in sheet-metal work and welding technologies? Do you want to use your skills for the fabrication of cryogenic, ultra-high vacuum, radio-frequency and pressure equipment? Then join CERN and take part!
Functions
As a Sheet Metal Worker & Welder Technician, you will:
- Perform precision sheet metal work and high-quality welding based on technical drawings and sketches for the fabrication of complex components, mainly in stainless steel, copper, and aluminium alloys.
- Develop welding and forming procedures, both conventional and CNC-based, ensuring full compliance with stringent quality standards for ultra-high vacuum (UHV), pressure, radio-frequency, and cryogenic applications.
- Contribute to projects involving the development of new techniques, methods, or processes, including the design and implementation of innovative tooling tailored to specific technical requirements.
- Carry out manual and automated welding operations, including GTAW, plasma, and GMAW, utilising state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques.
- Conduct quality inspections to verify weld integrity and dimensional conformity.
- Prepare and manage your own work, selecting appropriate tooling while considering quality, cost, and scheduling constraints.
- Supervise and train colleagues where necessary, offering technical guidance and support.
- Take part in maintenance operations (technical assistance and call-outs) in the underground areas during machine shutdown periods and in the event of emergencies.
- Collaborate closely with design offices and other engineering teams to develop and refine fabrication processes and provide expert advice on sheet metal work and welding-related matters
- Produce technical reports, both oral and written, to document and communicate work progress and outcomes.
Qualifications
Technical certificate or general secondary education or equivalent relevant experience in the field of sheet-metal work and welding or a related field.
International Welding Technician (IWT) diploma is required.
Experience:
- Extensive experience in sheet metal work and welding technologies, supported by strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice.
- Proven track record in manufacturing components for stringent applications such as cryogenic, ultra-high vacuum, radio-frequency, and pressure equipment.
- Extensive hands-on experience in manual arc welding for the fabrication of components requiring the highest quality level (level B according to ISO 5817), with the implementation of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to ensure weld integrity.
- In-depth experience in sheet metal work, with proven expertise in assembling high-precision components, utilising optimised forming techniques and assembly sequences to achieve tight dimensional tolerances.
- Extensive experience in developing welding and forming procedures, including both conventional and CNC-based processes.
- Experience in developing and applying new techniques, methods, or procedures for non-standard applications, including the design of innovative tooling tailored to specific technical requirements.
- Ability to interpret and work from technical drawings and specifications.
Technical competencies:
- Manufacturing of mechanical parts:
- personally use forming technologies (cutting, rolling, bending, folding, forming, deep drawing and assembly), CNC programming of equipment, prevention and control of welding distortions and calibration operations.
- Knowledge and application of joining techniques:
- welding: extensive knowledge and personally use manual, orbital and CNC automatic arc welding, TIG, MIG/MAG, plasma, resistance welding, soldering and brazing with relevant welding certifications. Good knowledge of IW standards (qualifications, quality levels for imperfections, nomenclature of processes, symbolic representation on drawings).
- Knowledge and application of manufacturing methods and work preparation:
- planning and control, knowledge of mechanics, develop the necessary tooling, descriptive geometry.
- Knowledge of metals and alloys:
- composition, structure, properties, heat treatments: forming and welding metallurgy of stainless steels, aluminium alloys, copper alloys.
Behavioural competencies:
- Achieving results:
- delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations;
- being rigorous and producing quality results at first attempt;
- having a structured and organised approach towards work;
- being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- Managing self:
- working well autonomously;
- taking on activities and tasks without prompting;
- taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen;
- remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment;
- focusing on solutions rather than problems.
- Learning and sharing knowledge:
- keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information;
- sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others;
- coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer;
- creating or participating in forums to exchange experience, comparing techniques and learn from others.
- Communicating effectively:
- expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner;
- keeping to the point;
- ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
- Working in teams:
- cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals;
- balancing personal goals with team goals;
- building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships;
- seeking to help other team members when own work is done;
- supporting others.
Language skills:
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.
Additional Information
Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.
This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 11.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.
Employment Conditions
Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
This position involves:
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
- Shift work and stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
Job grade: 3-4
Job reference: EN-MME-FW-2025-140-LD
Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Technician
