Mechanical Technician for CMS (EP-CMS-IC-2026-226-GRAE) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 2 days ago
Role overview
We are recruiting two early-career graduates for Mechanical Technician positions within the CMS experiment.
Both positions involve hands-on mechanical work and close collaboration with technicians, engineers, and physicists, but each will have a different main area of responsibility. of CERN
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- We are recruiting two early-career graduates for Mechanical Technician positions within the CMS experiment.
- Both positions involve hands-on mechanical work and close collaboration with technicians, engineers, and physicists, but each will have a different main area of responsibility. of CERN
- One position will join the Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL) team, supporting the refurbishment of the barrel electromagnetic calorimeter and covering a large panel of activities and responsibilities, from mechanical work and the handling and assembly of detector parts to logistic activities.
- The second position will join the CMS Technical Coordination crew, supporting mechanical activities for the CMS detector and its infrastructure, including maintenance, upgrades, tooling, and heavy-lifting operations. Your responsibilities Key Tasks ECAL position:
- Initial hands-on experience in the construction and assembly of mechanical components and structures.
- Experience in mechanical equipment or detector assembly, including cooling connections, pressure testing, or leak detection.
Main responsibilities
- One position will join the Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL) team, supporting the refurbishment of the barrel electromagnetic calorimeter and covering a large panel of activities and responsibilities, from mechanical work and the handling and assembly of detector parts to logistic activities.
- The second position will join the CMS Technical Coordination crew, supporting mechanical activities for the CMS detector and its infrastructure, including maintenance, upgrades, tooling, and heavy-lifting operations. Your responsibilities Key Tasks ECAL position:
- Participate in the extraction and insertion of the ECAL supermodules, including the preparation, installation, and removal of the required tooling.
- Carry out mechanical operations during the refurbishment of the supermodules, including the replacement of cooling fittings.
- Support the installation of ECAL services and electronics and assist with related logistics. Key tasks Technical Coordination position:
- Participate in mechanical work for the upgrade, maintenance, and repair of the CMS detector and its associated infrastructure.
- Manufacture mechanical parts and contribute to on-site assembly, installation, alignment, and repair activities.
- Support the development of tooling and the preparation or modification of technical drawings using drafting software such as CATIA.
- Participate in heavy-lifting and movement operations using equipment such as strand jacks, air pads, and hydraulic jacks, and support regular checks and maintenance of this equipment.
Key requirements
- Initial hands-on experience in the construction and assembly of mechanical components and structures.
- Experience in mechanical equipment or detector assembly, including cooling connections, pressure testing, or leak detection.
- Experience using machine tools and hand tools for mechanical manufacturing activities.
- Experience with mechanical systems and the handling of large, heavy, or fragile equipment.
- Experience with drafting software, such as CATIA. Skills
- Knowledge of manufacturing techniques for mechanical parts.
- Experience in the assembly and integration of mechanical structures, equipment, and systems.
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of cooling-water systems.
Application process
- Experience in the safe operation of mechanical handling systems and the application of safety procedures related to heavy machinery and mechanical operations.
- Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to follow technical instructions accurately.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language. 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 Mechanics or related (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.
Company and context
- Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations. A valid driving licence.
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
- For the ECAL position: Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.
- For the ECAL position: Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain conditions. Job reference: EP-CMS-IC-2026-226-GRAE Field of work: Mechanical Engineering Benchmark job: 300090 Mechanical Technician Global Benefits A monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
- 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
- Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
- Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
- A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
- Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
- On-the-job and formal training including language classes.
Additional details
- Both positions involve hands-on mechanical work and close collaboration with technicians, engineers, and physicists, but each will have a different main area of responsibility.
- The second position will join the CMS Technical Coordination crew, supporting mechanical activities for the CMS detector and its infrastructure, including maintenance, upgrades, tooling, and heavy-lifting operations. Your responsibilities Key Tasks ECAL position:
- Support the installation of ECAL services and electronics and assist with related logistics. Key tasks Technical Coordination position:
- Experience with drafting software, such as CATIA.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language. Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum. Working hours: 40 hours per week Job flexibility: Fully Onsite Target start date: 01-December-2026 This position involves:
- Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations. A valid driving licence.
- For the ECAL position: Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain conditions. Job reference: EP-CMS-IC-2026-226-GRAE Field of work: Mechanical Engineering Benchmark job: 300090 Mechanical Technician A monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
Notes and original content
- The second position will join the CMS Technical Coordination crew, supporting mechanical activities for the CMS detector and its infrastructure, including maintenance, upgrades, tooling, and heavy-lifting operations.
- Your responsibilities
- Key Tasks ECAL position:
- Support the installation of ECAL services and electronics and assist with related logistics.
- Key tasks Technical Coordination position:
- Your profile
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.
- Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
- Working hours: 40 hours per week
Questions about this listing
What salary does CERN offer for this role?
CERN lists CHF 71'000 - 107'500 gross per year for this position in Genève. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does CERN offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with CERN during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Geneva?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Geneva can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Geneva's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at CERN?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to CERN's original listing at jobs.smartrecruiters.com, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.