Vacuum / Thin film coating Technical Engineer (TE-VSC-SCC-2026-234-GRAE)

CERN; Genf; On-site; CHF 59,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Health insurance

Pension fund

Paid leave 30 days

Language training

Job summary

CERN in Geneva invites applications for a Technical Engineer in the surface coating and chemistry team as part of the ORIGIN programme to help produce thin films for the accelerator complex. You will operate PVD coating setups, measure film thickness with XRF, validate NEG coatings, prepare technical documentation, and help design tooling.

The role is onsite with 40 hours per week, 24–36 month contract, starting 01-January-2027.

Qualifications

• Eligible candidates hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with vacuum technology and vacuum instrumentation preferred.
• Familiarity with thin films and materials properties is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Operate PVD coating setups (sputtering), including assembly, pumping, bakeout and deposition.
• Measure thin film thickness and composition using X-Ray Fluorescence.
• Validate and ensure quality of Non-Evaporable Getter coatings (NEG).
• Prepare technical documentation, reports and procedures.
• Assist in designing, procuring and assembling coating tooling.

Skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Excel

LabVIEW

Word

English

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

LabVIEW

Excel

Word

Job description

Are you an enthusiastic and curious Technical Engineer looking for a challenging professional experience? If so, joining CERN's ORIGIN programme may be the perfect opportunity for you.

As a Technical Engineer in the surface coating and chemistry team, you will contribute to the production of thin films for CERN's accelerator complex. All necessary training on the specific coating set ups and instrumentation will be given.

Your responsibilities

• Operate Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating setups (sputtering): including assembly, vacuum pumping, bakeout, deposition processing, and disassembly.
• Measure the thickness and composition of thin films using an X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer.
• Perform validation and quality control of the performance of Non-Evaporable Getter coatings (NEG).
• Prepare technical documentation, including reports and procedures.
• Contribute to the design, procurement, and assembly of tooling for the coating setups.

Your profile

• Experience in the areas of vacuum technology and the use of vacuum instrumentation, including vacuum pumps.
• Experience in materials for vacuum.
• Basic knowledge in materials properties and characterisation.
• Practical experience in thin films coating is an advantage.
• Familiarity with surface treatments and their execution/preparation is an advantage.
• Experience in Ultra-high vacuum is an advantage.

Skills

• Ability to work in groups and actively participate in team activities.
• Ability to work independently and communicate progress, priorities and challenges in your work.
• Knowledge and use of Excel and Word, Labview is a plus.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 Vacuum and Material Sciences (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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 21.10.2026 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-January-2027

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: TE-VSC-SCC-2026-234-GRAE

Field of work: Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering

Benchmark job: 301180 - Material Science/Chemical Technical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly net stipend of either 5266 or 5793 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree.
• 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.

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