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
Are you ready to work on one of the most advanced vacuum systems on the planet? With 130 km of cutting-edge vacuum vessels, CERN operates one of the largest and most complex vacuum systems ever built. If you're driven by hands-on technical work and excited to support world-class research, this is your opportunity to contribute to something extraordinary.
The Vacuum, Surfaces, and Coatings (VSC) Group, part of the Technology (TE) Department, is responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of all high and ultra-high vacuum systems across the CERN accelerators. Within this group, the Beam Vacuum Operation section (BVO) ensures the reliable operation and continuous upgrade of the vacuum equipment critical to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the most powerful particle accelerator ever built.
As a Mechanical Technician, you will contribute to the installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of vacuum systems, support diagnostics and performance monitoring, and help ensure the long-term reliability of CERN's flagship infrastructure.
Functions
Within the VSC Group of the TE Department, you will:
- Operate and perform routine maintenance on ultra-high vacuum (UHV) equipment and instruments used in particle accelerators, following established procedures.
- Assist with assembling, installing, and commissioning of vacuum components and prototypes according to provided technical drawings and instructions.
- Support upgrade and consolidation projects by carrying out assigned tasks, including leak detections, mechanical measurements and outgassing rate evaluation.
- Perform pressure measurements and residual gas analysis to assess the compliance of vacuum components and assemblies with acceptance criteria ensuring the desired reliability and performance.
- Follow up fabrication process for new equipment, reporting progress and challenges to your supervisor.
- Monitor pressures in CERN’s accelerators during beam vacuum operation; report unusual values to supervisors and assist in implementing corrective actions.
Qualifications
Technical certificate or general secondary education or equivalent relevant experience in the field of mechanical engineering, electromechanical engineering or a related field.
Experience:
- Experience in design of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) apparatus;
- Proven experience in techniques and equipment for leak detection and residual gas analysis (RGA) in ultra-high vacuum;
- Demonstrated experience in:
- Hands-on installation, commissioning and operation of ultra-high vacuum systems;
- Demonstrated experience in preparing technical procedures for ultra-high vacuum systems.
Technical competencies:
- Installation and commissioning of vacuum systems;
- Knowledge and application of materials, surface and thermal treatments for UHV;
- Knowledge and application of leak detection techniques and equipment;
- Pressure measurement and residual gas analysis in UHV systems;
- Design of UHV systems, specifically in the field of performance measurements of ultra-high vacuum systems.
Behavioural competencies:
- Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
- Communicating Effectively: providing others with timely information; ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
- Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgements based on all the facts available.
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 04.09.2025 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 in Radiation Areas.
- Interventions in underground installations.
- A valid driving licence.
- Shift work, stand-by duty and work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
Job grade: 3-4
Job reference: TE-VSC-BVO-2025-171-LD
Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Technician
