Mechanical Technical Engineer - Vacuum Equipment (TE-VSC-BVO-2026-211-GRAE)
CERN - The European Research Center of Particle Physics
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
CERN is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the upgrade of critical beam vacuum systems for the LHC. You will join the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group and assist in installation, testing and commissioning of key equipment for the LHC upgrade programme, with full training provided in a unique international environment.
Your role involves testing, documentation, collaboration with suppliers, and on-site work in radiation areas, with a 24-month contract and potential extension.
Qualifications
- Experience with helium leak detection methods.
- 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.
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.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Compensation: CHF 5266 - CHF 5793 - monthly
Looking for an opportunity to apply your mechanical engineering skills to the upgrade of the world's most powerful particle accelerator? 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. We will provide all the necessary training and support, making this an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills in a unique international environment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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
- Work in Radiation Areas.
- 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
- 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.
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!
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