Mechanical Technical Engineer - Vacuum Equipment (TE-VSC-BVO-2026-211-GRAE) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 8 days ago
Role overview
Join CERN's Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group and contribute to the upgrade of critical beam vacuum systems that are essential for the performance and reliability of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
Working alongside experienced engineers, technicians and physicists, you will support the installation, testing and commissioning of key equipment that will help prepare the LHC for future scientific discoveries.
No prior experience in particle accelerators is required.
- Join CERN's Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group and contribute to the upgrade of critical beam vacuum systems that are essential for the performance and reliability of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
- Working alongside experienced engineers, technicians and physicists, you will support the installation, testing and commissioning of key equipment that will help prepare the LHC for future scientific discoveries.
- Your responsibilities
- Perform vacuum acceptance testing of baked components intended for installation in the HL-LHC collimator upgrade.
- Experience with helium leak detection methods and equipment.
- Experience with on-site vacuum system work, including mechanical installation and in-situ testing.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities
- Perform vacuum acceptance testing of baked components intended for installation in the HL-LHC collimator upgrade.
- Test and validate vacuum equipment before installation, perform residual gas analysis (RGA) ensuring it meets performance and quality requirements.
- Carry out leak tests, bake-out system installation and non-evaporable-getter (NEG) activation on vacuum components and assemblies.
- Assemble and prepare mechanical and vacuum systems for installation and operation.
- Support the installation, testing and commissioning of equipment for the LHC upgrade programme.
- Prepare technical documentation, test reports and intervention records.
- Coordinate with suppliers and support the procurement and delivery of technical components.
- Participate in maintenance, upgrade and repair activities on equipment installed in the LHC tunnel.
Key requirements
- Experience with helium leak detection methods and equipment.
- Experience with on-site vacuum system work, including mechanical installation and in-situ testing.
- Basic experience with outgassing phenomena in vacuum systems and with quadruple mass spectrometers (RGA) for residual gas analysis in UHV environments.
- Practical familiarity with techniques for achieving and maintaining UHV conditions. Skills
- Understanding of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) principles and fundamentals.
- The ability to analyse data from ultra-high vacuum (UHV) gauges.
- Basic knowledge on how to assemble and install UHV-compatible components and systems.
- Knowledge of helium leak detector use and the ability to perform leak testing and interpret results.
- The ability to prepare, update, and manage technical documentation.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language. Eligibility criteria:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
Application process
- Looking for an opportunity to apply your mechanical engineering skills to the upgrade of the world's most powerful particle accelerator?
- By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in BSc in Technical and Applied Studies (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree .
- You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
- Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
- Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.
- Job closing date: 20.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.
- 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-November-2026 This position involves:
- Work in Radiation Areas.
Company and context
- At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology.
- Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields.
- Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.
- Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe.
- We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose.
- Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.
- If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive.
- Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe!
- TAKE PART!
- More information about us, here: careers.cern
Additional details
- We will provide all the necessary training and support, making this an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills in a unique international environment.
- Practical familiarity with techniques for achieving and maintaining UHV conditions.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of 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-November-2026 This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations. A valid driving licence. Job reference: TE-VSC-BVO-2026-211-GRAE Field of work: Mechanical Engineering Benchmark job: 301190 Mechanical Technical Engineer
Notes and original content
- Your profile
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of 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-November-2026
- This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations.
- A valid driving licence.
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.
