Company Description

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.

Job Description

Introduction

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes forward the limits of technology to provide innovative research tools to the physics and engineering worldwide community. Within the EN Department, the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Group (MME) provides the CERN community with specific engineering solutions combining mechanical design, fabrication, and material sciences.

Are you passionate by mechanics, advanced engineering and innovative designs at the forefront of technology? Are you skilled in numerical simulations and computer-aided design? This is an opportunity for you: you will be part of a multidisciplinary team designing, simulating and testing a new generation of components for the Future Circular Collider (FCC). Static, dynamic, and buckling computations, advanced materials and material modelling, superconductivity, cryogenics, ultra-high vacuum technology, thermomechanical studies, sustainable design and manufacturing, safety, reliability, product lifecycle management are just a few of the key words related to this position. CERN, take part!

Functions

As a Mechanical Engineer in MME Design Office, you will be in charge of engineering studies and design new equipment and mechanical systems for high-energy physics projects and new accelerators and in particular for Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) equipment for the FCC-ee. Static, dynamic, and buckling computations, advanced materials and material modelling, superconductivity, cryogenics, ultra-high vacuum technology, thermomechanical studies, sustainable design and manufacturing, safety, reliability, product lifecycle management are just a few of the key words related to this position.
You will:
– Be in charge of the engineering and mechanical design of components for accelerators, including physical and digital models as well as specification and manufacturing drawings, and in particular for SRF equipment for FCC-ee;
– Perform state-of-the-art computations and simulations to dimension, analyse and optimize mechanical systems, components and their fabrication techniques, also reducing environmental impact and cost;
– Participate in a multi-technology project, in close interaction with other engineering teams and services, following up the prototyping and production at CERN workshops and taking part to product measurements, tests, installation and diagnostics;
– Prepare documentation such as presentations, technical reports, engineering specifications and calculation notes;
– Reports on project activities advancement.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of mechanical engineering or a related field.

Experience:

– Demonstrated experience in mechanical engineering and design according to industrial standards, manufacturing methods and assembly techniques within a design office in industry or research centres;

– Demonstrated experience with finite element computations and computer-aided design, including multiphysics, thermo-mechanical and explicit finite-element techniques;

– Experience in scientific software packages, preferably ANSYS and LS-Dyna, and CAD tools, preferably CATIA;

– Initial experience in coordinating mechanical projects from conceptual design to testing, prototyping and manufacturing phases;

– Experience in preparing technical reports and engineering specifications;

– Knowledge of mechanical engineering and design for accelerator equipment would be an asset.

– Some initial experience in working with international collaborations and external partners (industries and institutes) would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Design and analysis of mechanical structures by finite-element and analytical methods.
• Knowledge and application of numerical modelling in solid mechanics, including multiphysics analyses, radio-frequency;
• Knowledge and application of non-metallic composites: properties, heat treatments and fabrication. Knowledge of low-temperature material behaviour, superconductivity, thin-film deposition and vacuum brazing would be an advantage;
• Production of 2D drawings and 3D models: in compliance with relevant standards for dimensioning and tolerancing;
• Knowledge of design codes and compliance verification of mechanical equipment: including steel structures, pressure vessels and machinery.

Behavioural competencies:

• 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;
• Building Relationships:
  • Showing courtesy and consideration in dealings with others. Understanding how individual differences bring added value to the Organization; promoting complementarities;
  • Accepting others in a non-judgemental way and taking their point of view into account;
• Working in Teams:
  • Cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Solving Problems:
  • Identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them;
  • Producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements;
• Demonstrating Flexibility:
  • Adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements;
  • Being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English: ability to understand and speak in professional contexts (level C1 minimum). Ability to draw up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations.
Ability to understand and speak, or willingness to learn and improve French (courses provided by CERN).

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 Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 26/03/2025 at 23:59 CET

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.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EN-MME-EDM-2025-38-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer