FEA Engineer

ALBA Synchrotron; Cerdanyola del Vallés; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

ALBA Synchrotron in Spain seeks a Project Engineer specialized in structural mechanics and FEM to support engineering groups, accelerators, and beamlines. You will perform advanced simulations (FEM/CFD), develop mechanical systems, and contribute to cooling and subsystems.

Passport to join a growing facility near Barcelona, with opportunities for professional development, an attractive salary, and a performance bonus. Experience in scientific environments and Python/MATLAB skills are valued.

Qualifications

• Experience in structural mechanics, structural dynamics, and FEM.
• Knowledge of CFD and thermal analyses is required.
• Programming experience in Python or MATLAB is preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Good command of English.

Responsibilities

• Perform FEM calculations and simulations for complex scientific equipment and instrumentation.
• Perform thermal and thermo‑mechanical calculations and power balances for beamline components and absorbers.
• Develop and monitor project plans (Gantt charts) and manage project budgets.
• Manage procurement with suppliers and oversee construction of new facilities.
• Maintain and update engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Skills

Structural mechanics

Structural dynamics

FEM

CFD

Python

MATLAB

English

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering (mechanics)

Master's degree in Materials/Chemical/Nuclear Engineering or Physics

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

Institution

ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating thirteen beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions. Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges.

Institution

ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating thirteen beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions. Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges.

Located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), it is funded by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Recerca i Universitats). The synchrotron light produced by 3 GeV electrons is used by thousands of researchers to analyse and understand the properties and functionality of matter, spanning a wide variety of fields, such as catalytic research, health, energy production/storage, environmental research, communication technologies, or cultural heritage.

Our highly motivated staff works in a multidisciplinary work environment with an atmosphere formed by lived diversity, inclusion and respect for our colleagues. One of the goals of our gender equality plan is to reach parity within the Consortium’s different divisions and offices, and several actions have been taken to encourage applications from women mostly in scientific, engineer and technical job positions.

Located close to Barcelona in a natural park and well connected by car and public transportation, with excellent connectivity to the world and an employer who understands the importance of life-work balance.

Facing an upgrade to ALBA II, a 4th generation facility, which will increase dramatically brightness and coherent flux, ALBA is in a phase of growth and dynamics. Being a part of the ALBA team will promote your career and will give you the opportunities to explore new territories.

For more information, you can take a look on our history watching this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMqiH4qBAo

Tasks

The selected candidate will carry out finite element analysis (FEA) calculations and simulations for scientific equipment and instrumentation projects—encompassing structural, structural dynamics (stability and vibrations), thermal, and thermo‑mechanical domains—both for engineering groups and other divisions. More in detail

• Perform meshing, calculation, and post‑processing of highly complex scientific equipment and instrumentation assemblies.


• Perform thermal and thermo‑mechanical calculations, as well as power balances, for optical elements and synchrotron absorber components (e.g., X‑ray synchrotron beam mirrors), accelerators, and beamlines.


• Perform advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations.


• Design or supervise mechanical systems and cooling circuits for absorber elements, creating 3D models, detailed models, and 2D production drawings using CAD tools.


• Design and characterize deionized water cooling subsystems for the synchrotron, accelerator, beamlines, service areas, etc., as well as autonomous cooling circuit equipment for specific applications.


• Negotiate, agree upon, write, and prepare technical specifications for public tenders regarding the procurement of equipment, facilities, goods, and services required to support operations and new developments carried out by the cross‑functional section.


• Develop and monitor project plans (including Gantt charts), and prepare and manage the project budget.


• Manage and track project procurement with suppliers, as well as the construction of new facilities.


• Maintain and update engineering drawing technical documentation.


• Operate and maintain cooling equipment, facilities, and subsystems.


• Support other groups and divisions in the operation and maintenance of cooling facilities, beamlines, and accelerators; this includes troubleshooting incidents in beamlines and accelerators, as well as defining and executing necessary preventive and corrective maintenance at an engineering level.


• Any other similar and reasonable duties or responsibilities assigned by Management, where applicable.

Requirements

The requirements for participation must be met on the date of the deadline for the submission of applications and will be accredited by means of the CV attached to it, without prejudice to the power of the selection body to require the contribution of the originals of the certifications accrediting the qualifications, training and work experience invoked in the CV. Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted.

The successful candidate must hold a masters degree in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in mechanics, fluid mechanics, fluid dynamics, or equivalent; Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and/or Physics, or an equivalent Master's degree.

Selection Process Development

The selection will be carried out through the competition‑opposition system. As a first phase, an analysis of the curriculum will be carried out (assessment of previous experience and / or scientific history, degree, training and other professional information relevant to the position). Career breaks or variations in the chronological order of CVs will be regarded as an evolution of a career, and consequently, as a contribution to the professional development.

The Assessment Of The CV In The Competition Phase Will Be Scored Up To 40 Points, Which Will Consider The Following Aspects

• Experience: Experience in structural mechanics, structural dynamics, and finite element modeling/analysis (FEM), along with training/knowledge in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). (Max. 8 points)


• Tools: Experience at a proficiency level, in finite element simulation, calculation, and analysis tools such as ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation, and/or equivalents. (Max. 7 points)


• Training or experience in mechanical design: Familiarity with materials and manufacturing processes, and the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications. (Max. 5 points)


• Programming: Experience in programming for calculation automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.). (Max. 5 points)


• Project Engineer: Experience as a project engineer for critical components, primarily utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA). (Max. 5 points)


• Scientific/technical environment: Experience in simulation and calculation projects within a scientific facility or environment, such as a synchrotron or similar. (Max. 5 points)


• Language skills: Good oral and written communication skills in English. (Max. 5 points which are achieved with B2 level)

The best rated candidates, at least two if possible, will be invited to an interview where the technical competence, knowledge, skills and professional experience linked to the position will be assessed, with a total score of 60 points. A minimum of 30 points must be obtained out of a total of 60 points to be eligible.

Provided they meet the minimum requirements and have ranked among the top five after the assessment of the CV phase, at least one person from the underrepresented gender in the division/office will be interviewed.

The Interview Will Include At Least

Presentation of professional experience. Up to 25 points.

Self‑assessment of personal skills and complementary education/training. Up to 15 points.

Among Others the following personal skils are going to be scored:

• a. Collaboration and communication: ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse teams, and establish strong working relationships. Proactive attitude and eagerness to contribute to the team's success. Capacity and adaptability to work closely with engineers and scientists in an international and multidisciplinary environment.


• b. Problem-solving: Ability to analyze complex problems and develop efficient solutions.


• c. Critical thinking: Ability to evaluate results and validate hypotheses with scientific rigor.


• d. Attention to detail: Precision in calculations and in the interpretation of results.


• e. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to new requirements and technologies.


• f. Project Engineer skills: Organization and management of tasks within technical projects.

Vision of the Job.

Up to 5 points.

Motivation to apply for the position.

Up to 15 points.

The merits will be accredited by means of the CV attached to the application. The selection board may require accreditation by additional documentation, originals or certified copies confirming the experience invoked in the CV.

In case of a tied final score, the position will be awarded to the person who belongs to the most underrepresented gender in the corresponding Division and subsidiarily to the overall company.

If necessary, alternates of the members of the selection board will be appointed by the president of the selection process, and the change will be published in the announcement.

The resolution of the selection procedure will be carried out within a maximum period of six months from the deadline for submitting applications for participation.

The selection process may be declared vacant if the selection board considers not to have found eligible candidates for the position although they might meet the requirements to participate in the selection process specified in the offer.

Other Information

Permanent contract.

Base salary range €37,708 – €43,000 gross per year.

The base salary offered will be determined according to the selected candidate's qualifications, relevant professional experience, competencies and overall suitability for the position.

Additional remuneration: annual productivity bonus (approximately 4% of the base salary), subject to the applicable internal policy and performance evaluation.

ALBA also offers an attractive employment conditions, including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Alessandra Patera, Marcos Quispe Flores and Carles Colldelram Peroliu.